South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley on Friday revealed details about her plan to appoint a U.S. senator to replace Jim DeMint, the Republican who announced Friday he plans to resign his seat in January.
“I want to make two things clear from the outset,” Haley, a Republican, said Friday. “Number one, I will not take the appointment myself. Number two, I will appoint a person who has the same philosophy of government that Jim DeMint and I share.”
It has been reported that DeMint privately expressed a desire for Haley to appoint Rep. Tim Scott, a black Republican, to the seat. But others including Rep. Mick Mulvaney and former Attorney General Henry McMaster are expected to be under consideration.
“Appointing a new member of the U.S. Senate is a solemn duty, and I take this responsibility with utmost seriousness,” Haley said. “I will make this decision in a manner that is thoughtful and dignified, but also quickly.” (RELATED: Matt Lewis: Tim Scott for Senate)
“With all the challenges we face as a state and nation, it is essential that the next senator from South Carolina be dedicated to the principles that our state most values,” she said.