Florida Republican politicians are praising South Carolina Governor Nikki Haleys selection of first-term Republican Rep. Tim Scott, R-S.C., to the U.S. Senate, replacing the seat being vacated by Jim DeMint.
He will make a great U.S. senator. Great call by Gov Haley! tweeted Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel.
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Miami, called Scott a worthy successor to DeMint.
"I applaud Governor Nikki Haley's decision to send Tim Scott to represent the people of South Carolina in the United States Senate, Rubio stated in a release.
I've gotten to know Congressman Scott since his election to the House of Representatives two years ago and know him to be a passionate, thoughtful and sincere advocate for the people of South Carolina and for limited government principles. He is a worthy successor to my good friend Senator Jim DeMint, who remains a role model for those of us drawn to public service and the desire to keep America an exceptional nation.
A tea party favorite from Charleston, Scott, 47, will become just the second African-American member of the Senate and the first from the South in more than 100 years.
He is known for his opposition to raising the national debt and sponsoring legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare. DeMint is off to head the conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.
