SC’s Tim Scott to speak at GOP convention this afternoon

TAMPA -- U.S. Rep. Tim Scott is not only attending his first Republican National Convention here today, but he also is speaking at it.

Scott, R-S.C., is expected to speak briefly at the convention around 3:47 p.m. this afternoon. He is the state’s second Republican set to speak today.

Scott, whose district includes much of the Charleston metro area, said his time at the podium will only be about three minutes but he will try to link his own life story to the values of the Republican standard bearer.

“My goal is to talk about how Mitt Romney embodies the vision that my mother and my mentor had for me growing up,” he said today, referring to his mother Frances Scott, who gave him “tough love,” and mentor John Moniz, who showed him a path to prosperity.

Scott did not endorse any candidate in South Carolina’s GOP presidential primary. His speech is not as high-profile a gig as South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley’s later this evening during prime time (she is expected to talk sometime between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.). His remarks will come as convention delegates sift through assorted business items.

While Scott has a shorter, earlier speaking slot, S.C. GOP Chair Chad Connelly noted, “It’s still a heck of an honor to get on that stage.”

Scott, who is completing his first term, is one of two black Republicans elected to Congress in 2010. Many expect him to win re-election this fall, though he is opposed by Democrat Bobbie Rose, an educator and social worker.

The other black Republican elected with Scott, Rep. Allen West, R-Fla., is in a tougher re-election fight, though U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., told South Carolina’s delegation today that he expected West would win it.

Reach Robert Behre at 937-5771.