Republican Scott could make history as he enters House District 117 raceBy Robert Behre (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Friday, February 15, 2008
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." |
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Comments
This article has 14 comment(s)
Posted by moonpie on February 15, 2008 at 6:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
See you, P&C, brought up the fact he was black. We just look at him as the best qualified person for the job.
Posted by sherlock on February 15, 2008 at 7:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
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.
Posted by greyrider on February 15, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
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.
Posted by CHRISJIII on February 15, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just what we need more brain dead republicans in Columbia.
Posted by eyeinthesky on February 15, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh no!!!! he is CHRISJIII.. that means there are at least TWO more of him!!!!
Posted by coahtrtaylor on February 15, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)
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.
Posted by Mayor on February 15, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tim Scott is a very caring and intelligent person. He is the most qualified. That's all there is to say.
Posted by eyeinthesky on February 15, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
THAT'S ALL I HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THAT. :)
Posted by carlosthedwarf on February 15, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Can we get Tim Scott to run for mayor of Charleston? About time to remove that old fossil Riley out of office.
Posted by gococks1985 on February 15, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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.
Posted by robertrettab on February 15, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good luck, Tim. I have been impressed with your record and look forward to your successful bid.
Posted by Carolina_Politics on February 15, 2008 at 7:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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
Posted by outrage on February 16, 2008 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I will vote for Mr. Scott.
Posted by magoo on February 16, 2008 at 10:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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!!!