Gov. Nikki Haley's reported short list of five finalists to succeed resigning
Republican U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint includes a pair of congressmen, a one-time
S.C. attorney general, a state agency chief and a former first lady.
The list, provided to The State by a source close to the governor, has a
clear favorite, according to veteran S.C. political observers: Tim Scott, the
Tea Party-backed congressman from North Charleston who would be the first
African-American U.S. senator from the South since Reconstruction if
appointed.
U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-Spartanburg, is considered the other most serious
candidate, but the former state solicitor does not have as big an upside as
Scott, experts agreed.
Former state Attorney General Henry McMaster of Columbia, a Haley
supporter with political experience, generally is not seen as being as
conservative as DeMint, who was willing to be the lone dissenting vote on
bills to make points on fiscal issues.
The names of former first lady Jenny Sanford and S.C. Department of
Health and Environmental Control director Catherine Templeton -- both Haley
backers from Charleston -- were included to bolster their possible future
political ambitions, political observers said.
The list of names floated allows Haley to reward friends with a bit of
flattery and gives her enough time to hear opinions from potential
contributors to her next campaign, University of South Carolina political
scientist Mark Tompkins said. "You get to reassure supporters," he said.
Haley has given no timetable on replacing DeMint, who is leaving with
four years remaining on his term to head the Heritage Foundation, though a
decision is expected within a week.
"Everybody would like to know the answer," Scott said Tuesday. "We need
to support the governor in whatever decision she makes."
The governor distanced herself from reports that she has a short list
during a visit to North Charleston on Tuesday.
"Only my husband knows what's in my head right now, so I'll leave it at
that," Haley told The (Charleston) Post and Courier.
With the exception of Jenny Sanford, the names of the finalists have been
mentioned frequently in political circles since DeMint announced his
resignation last week. Here is what S.C. political experts have to say about
the five:
U.S. Rep. Tim Scott
The 47-year-old insurance agent has won enough respect in two years in
Congress to head the GOP freshman caucus and win a seat on the House Ways and
Means Committee. He reportedly is DeMint's pick and has received the
endorsement of the American Conservative Union.
The drawbacks include his lack of experience in Congress and the loss of
a spot on such an influential House committee, USC's Tompkins said.
Bottom line: Scott is the front-runner, capable of winning a special
election for the Senate seat set for 2014 and beyond. "He has the conservative
credentials and would make history," said Bob McAlister, a media consultant
who was chief of staff for then-Gov. Carroll Campbell.
What he said: "I was surprised and pleased (to make the short list), but
I still want to give the governor time to make a good decision." Scott said he
is putting his energy into working to avoid the so-called "fiscal cliff." He
