Republican Scott could make history as he enters House District 117 race
By Robert Behre
The Post and Courier
Tim Scott
Charleston County Council Chairman Tim Scott announced Thursday he will seek the District 117 state House seat in a bid that could make him the first black Republican to serve in Columbia since Reconstruction.
Scott, 42, said he's aware of the history-making potential in his campaign, but he also said his race isn't the most important thing.
"My hope is that we are at a place now where we ought to pay attention to the issues, the conservative value system that I represent," he said. "It's impossible to eliminate race in politics, but in my campaign structure and process, I won't be taking it into consideration. Yes, it would be exciting to break into a level of politics, but I'd be excited about that whether I'm black or not."
Scott's decision comes a day after District 117 Rep. Thomas Dantzler, R-Goose Creek, said he won't seek another term.
Scott's news release also contained kind words from Gov. Mark Sanford, who last year urged state lawmakers to consider Scott for the state treasurer's job vacated after Thomas Ravenel's indictment. They picked former state Rep. Converse Chellis instead.
"Tim would bring the principled, conservative values he's always stood up for with him to Columbia," Sanford's statement said.
Scott said he would bring his "taxpayers first" approach that he has used during his 13 years on council and would try to return more of the state government's $1.5 billion to families and businesses.
Asked what Scott's win would mean to the state Republican Party, Chairman Katon Dawson said it would be a sign that the party continues to grow. "We certainly welcome all-comers in these primaries," he said, adding that he considered Scott a personal friend.
Scott isn't the first black Republican to seek a legislative seat. Former Beaufort County Councilwoman Starletta Hairston did so four years ago, Dawson said.
Scott is expected to face Berkeley County Councilman Bill Crosby in the June 10 Republican primary.
Todd Shaw, an assistant professor of political science at the University of South Carolina, said blacks have been involved in supporting the Republican Party but few have won office as Republicans. Shaw said Scott's bid might mark a beginning, "but we'll have to wait and see if that's the case."
"I think it may be an indication, a small indication of whether or not the political parties are attempting to be competitive again with regards to the black vote," Shaw added.
Scott said he thinks Republicans are starving for a diverse group with common values to come together. "It doesn't have to mean race or ethnicity. It means we need a broader base for our party."
E-mail this story
Printer-friendly versionComments
moonpie (anonymous) says...
See you, P&C, brought up the fact he was black. We just look at him as the best qualified person for the job.
February 15, 2008 at 6:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sherlock (anonymous) says...
More and more African Americans will run for office in SC because they have a better chance now of winning. This after the voters unanimously voted for Obama. Regardles of what anyone says, even Tim Scott, it is about race.
February 15, 2008 at 7:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
greyrider (anonymous) says...
Moonpie, I get the impression fron the article that Tim Scott did NOT want to talk about race, but the P&C practically forced it on him.
I've known about him for a long time, and this may be a long shot, but I would not be suprised to see Tim Scott as governor one day.
February 15, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CHRISJIII (anonymous) says...
Just what we need more brain dead republicans in Columbia.
February 15, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyeinthesky (anonymous) says...
Oh no!!!! he is CHRISJIII.. that means there are at least TWO more of him!!!!
February 15, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coahtrtaylor (anonymous) says...
CHRISJIII, you don't know Tim Scott. I can assure you, because I do know him, he is far from brain dead. Tim Scott is probably one of the most decent people I know. He stands for integrity, moral value and honesty. None of which we currently have representing us in Columbia. I, as a middle class, female Republican would vote for him without hesitation. It wouldn't matter if he were purple, what does matter is the person that he is and what he represents. I agree that one day I think we should see him in the governor's office. We need someone in office that will respect and restore our faith in morality. We need change and I believe Tim Scott is the begining of that road to change. Before you criticize him, go to a Charleston County Council meeting and listen to him, look up his voting record, don't cast stones from your glass house.
February 15, 2008 at noon ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyeinthesky (anonymous) says...
THAT'S ALL I HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THAT. :)
February 15, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carlosthedwarf (anonymous) says...
Can we get Tim Scott to run for mayor of Charleston? About time to remove that old fossil Riley out of office.
February 15, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gococks1985 (anonymous) says...
I went to school with Tim and can tell you that he is truly an honest, sincere, and caring person with high morals and integrity. He will do what is best for the people. I've never known him to do anything half a$$ at all. He is and has always been a good upstanding member of the community. Though many years have passed since we were in school, he still recognizes me on the street and takes the time to ask about the family. That is more than I can say about most of the others we went to school with. He has my vote..that is a given.
February 15, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
robertrettab (anonymous) says...
Good luck, Tim. I have been impressed with your record and look forward to your successful bid.
February 15, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Carolina_Politics (anonymous) says...
It gets tiresome the way the media must always inject race into everything. Tim Scott should win because of his qualifications and his character. The fact he is black should neither help nor hurt him.
http://www.carolinapoliticsonline.com
February 15, 2008 at 7:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
outrage (anonymous) says...
I will vote for Mr. Scott.
February 16, 2008 at 10:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
magoo (anonymous) says...
outrage what are his his views on the issues do you know or are you just going to vote for him because you think he is a nice person???, Coaht... all the the politicians have the sam qualities you speak about that Mr. Scott has until they get into office. Enuff said!!!
February 16, 2008 at 10:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Postandcourier.com is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Postandcourier.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not postandcourier.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.
Users can now build user-to-user connections, follow friends' recent posts, add an avatar that fits their personality, and more. If you have posted here before you'll need to sign up again, or if you've never posted before, start now by signing up!
Full terms and conditions can be read here.
Thank you for your interest in this story. The comment thread for this article has been closed.
- Most Commented
- Most Emailed
- S.C. losing port traffic to other states
- Out with old ...
- Water — 'The smell is gone'
- Cart gives Buddy new lease on life
- Schools plan to update visitor-security system
- Man, 17, killed in motorcycle wreck
- Off campus
- GenPhar site 'red-tagged'
- Historic manor house used by Girl Scouts is among buildings that might be torn down to make way for future
- Tough times have taught comedian's sister to love life
