SC

Sources: Tim Scott Will Run If Nikki Haley Doesn’t

Usually, governors want to be United States Senators – not the other way around. But in the case of newly appointed U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, this traditional power script has always been flipped. Scott wants to be South Carolina’s first black governor – in fact this was his original goal when…

Usually, governors want to be United States Senators – not the other way around. But in the case of newly appointed U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, this traditional power script has always been flipped.

Scott wants to be South Carolina’s first black governor – in fact this was his original goal when he first ran for the S.C. House of Representatives in 2008. The governor’s office was also his ultimate objective when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010, filling the first district seat that sprang Mark Sanford to the top statewide office in 2002.

“He doesn’t like being in Washington,” a source close to Scott tells FITS. “He’s always liked being home.”

Scott’s trajectory skipped a rung on the ladder, though, when S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley tapped him to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated in January by Jim DeMint.

But what was really behind this history making choice? And was the U.S. Senate what Scott really wanted?  Obviously Scott took the Senate seat – and in the process agreed to be a candidate in the 2014 special election to determine who fills out its final two years (an election will be held in 2016 for a full six-year term). In other words, Nikki Haley took him off the table as a potential 2014 primary rival … even though Scott made it abundantly clear he wasn’t going to challenge Haley in GOP primary.

Of course Haley’s real problem isn’t the GOP primary – it’s her 2014 general election rematch against Democrat Vincent Sheheen. Haley is one of the weakest, most vulnerable governors in the nation, with abysmal approval ratings that have yet to be exploited via an aggressive media campaign. And while she’s got the “Republican” lean of the Palmetto State on her side (and Sheheen’s support of U.S. President Barack Obama’s Medicaid expansion), her reelection is not a sure thing by any stretch of the imagination.

And while we were quick to dismiss Haley’s recent comments that she could “absolutely see” not running for reelection in 2014, it appears others are putting a little big more stock in them.

Or at least a little bit more hope …

“There is a tremendous amount of risk associated with her running for reelection,” one veteran Palmetto politico told us. “If she loses – especially in a state as reliably Republican as this one – she is finished politically. However were she to hand off the torch and focus exclusively on her loftier ambitions, there is still enough of an appetite for female minority candidates at the national level she could tap into.”

Were Haley to decide against running, to whom would she “hand off the torch?”

“Tim Scott,” the politico said.

FITS checked in with several of Scott’s advisors – and heard crickets.

The only one who commented told us bluntly “there is never an upside to engaging hypotheticals such as the one you’ve just outlined.”

Privately, though, several sources in Washington, D.C. tell FITS that Scott’s interest was more than piqued when he read Haley’s comments regarding reelection.

“Let me state this for you as unambiguously as I know how,” one of these D.C. sources told us, “if she’s out, he’s in.”

We ran that quote by another GOP operative who is close to Scott, and heard something similar – albeit not quite as concrete.

“Scott’s team is watching Haley closely,” the operative told us. “And if she’s out, he is likely in.”

One of Scott’s grassroots staffers echoed that sentiment, telling us “the rumor is absolutely true.”

“He’s always wanted to be governor,” the staffer said.

Wow …

Could we be looking at a major shakeup in 2014?

Possibly …

Despite her terrible poll numbers, atrocious job performance and demonstrated incompetence as a campaigner (Haley coughed up a 20-point lead to Sheheen in 2010 and needed straight ticket GOP voters to pull her across the finish line), we still think the governor runs for reelection. And unless Sheheen demonstrates an as-yet-undisplayed ability to stake out some ideological ground to Haley’s right – he’s never going to beat her no matter how terrible a campaign she runs.

But the possibility of Haley dropping out – and Scott jumping in – is a scenario that’s starting to gain traction.

***

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125 comments

Honkey Whitebread June 28, 2013 at 11:19 am

Another HNIC baby!

Reply
Honkey Whitebread June 28, 2013 at 11:19 am

Another HNIC baby!

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sclefty June 28, 2013 at 11:20 am

No way. This is total BS. Why would you step down as a US Senator to be the weak-ass governor of our state?

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sclefty June 28, 2013 at 11:20 am

No way. This is total BS. Why would you step down as a US Senator to be the weak-ass governor of our state?

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Dan June 28, 2013 at 11:22 am

It is true Tim Scott would crush nanby pamby Sheheen. He won’t do it, however.

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Dan June 28, 2013 at 11:22 am

It is true Tim Scott would crush nanby pamby Sheheen. He won’t do it, however.

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Carpe Jugulum June 28, 2013 at 11:26 am

The best reason not to vote for Scott is his deference to Haley. It is basically a gutless way to make any decision.

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Elfego June 28, 2013 at 12:34 pm

Sounds like a Democrat Opinion!

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Carpe Jugulum June 28, 2013 at 11:26 am

The best reason not to vote for Scott is his deference to Haley. It is basically a gutless way to make any decision.

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Elfego June 28, 2013 at 12:34 pm

Sounds like a Democrat Opinion!

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GrandTango June 28, 2013 at 11:35 am

NOTHING Scares the leftists, and the Liberal-Tarians….like a principled Black Conservatie, who can win…

The media, and FITS, will Stoop as low as they can go…to take him down…just watch….

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mat catastrophe June 28, 2013 at 11:44 am

Nothing scares Republicans like non-conservative black people.

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Prez Herman Cain June 28, 2013 at 11:47 am

Tell’en, Hoss!!

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Brigid June 28, 2013 at 11:59 am

He’s got my vote.

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mph June 28, 2013 at 12:42 pm

I know I’m terrified. That should get the number of black Republicans up to about 17 nationally.

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Smirks June 28, 2013 at 3:00 pm

Nothing scares me more than GrandTango being commander-in-chief.

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GreenvilleLwyr June 28, 2013 at 11:48 am

But then we wouldn’t have two gay senators!!!

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Slick as shit June 28, 2013 at 11:53 am

Who says we wouldn’t elect another to replace him? Maybe someone can convince Larry Marchant to run.

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Dalton June 28, 2013 at 11:17 pm

Glenn McConnell could be game and keep the two-fag status quo.

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Wes June 28, 2013 at 11:54 am

I’ll run, I’ll do it!

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Elfego June 28, 2013 at 12:35 pm

You seem to know a lot about this subject!

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GreenvilleLwyr June 28, 2013 at 11:48 am

But then we wouldn’t have two gay senators!!!

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Slick as shit June 28, 2013 at 11:53 am

Who says we wouldn’t elect another to replace him? Maybe someone can convince Larry Marchant to run.

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Dalton June 28, 2013 at 11:17 pm

Glenn McConnell could be game and keep the two-fag status quo.

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Wes June 28, 2013 at 11:54 am

I’ll run, I’ll do it!

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Elfego June 28, 2013 at 12:35 pm

You seem to know a lot about this subject!

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Harry June 28, 2013 at 12:07 pm

If Haley is out Loftis is in. He told me months ago he moved personal money so he would be ready at a moments notice.

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Curious June 28, 2013 at 12:08 pm

I see this as a much more likely scenario.

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GrandTango June 28, 2013 at 12:19 pm

Scott is sittin’ pretty already. Love to have Loftis and Scott running things. Both Conservatives….and capable…

Either will keep the democrat drought going. But if Scott runs, Sheheen will not only be running against Obama’s Misrable record, but Paula Deen’s too…

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Chris June 28, 2013 at 4:44 pm

I would love to have Loftis run. Can you imagine a “hard charging, call it as it is” candidate verses the normal GOP “red meat throwing, I love country and God and I hate Obama” candidate.
We need more honest pols that will fight for us and are not afraid to break a few eggs.

Haley and Scott are talkers not doers. LOFTIS is a doer.

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M326 June 29, 2013 at 12:37 pm

Whoa, here! Then we would have three critical political leaders that are single unmarried men. I guess we would not have to worry about infidelity any more. Would we?

GrandTango June 28, 2013 at 12:07 pm

Will Vincent Sheheen step down and be open-minded for the advancement of a deserving civil servant, like Scott….or is he another Paul Deen Democrat Party Racist????

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mph June 28, 2013 at 12:47 pm

You’re suggesting VS not run so Scott can be handed the seat just because he’s black? Well, goddamn, sock puppet, that sounds like affirmative action.

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Harry June 28, 2013 at 12:07 pm

If Haley is out Loftis is in. He told me months ago he moved personal money so he would be ready at a moments notice.

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Curious June 28, 2013 at 12:08 pm

I see this as a much more likely scenario.

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Curious June 28, 2013 at 12:15 pm

“Female minority candidates…” Yeah, Haley doesn’t see herself as a minority, even when she tries to adopt that mantle for political purposes. No one else does, either.

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Frank Pytel June 28, 2013 at 12:49 pm

Shit. That’s exactly how she got elected. FEMALE

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nitrat June 28, 2013 at 3:09 pm

She obviously thinks of herself as white, but plays the minority card every chance she gets. She realizes the only reason she has any status in the GOP is because she is a token and the GOPers love them some tokens so they can pretend they aren’t racists.

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Curious June 28, 2013 at 12:15 pm

“Female minority candidates…” Yeah, Haley doesn’t see herself as a minority, even when she tries to adopt that mantle for political purposes. No one else does, either.

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Frank Pytel June 28, 2013 at 12:49 pm

Shit. That’s exactly how she got elected. FEMALE

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nitrat June 28, 2013 at 3:09 pm

She obviously thinks of herself as white, but plays the minority card every chance she gets. She realizes the only reason she has any status in the GOP is because she is a token and the GOPers love them some tokens so they can pretend they aren’t racists.

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Frank June 28, 2013 at 12:31 pm

I am a Republican and voting Sheheen! I F’D up casting a vote for Haley and will NEVER make that mistake again. I would vote for Scott; except, he IS much too close to our current incompetent, self serving Gov.
I’ve followed Sheheen closely since the last election and feel he gets a bad rap, is a middle of the road conservative Democrat.
I owe him a vote and a chance after this idiot Haley.

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GrandTango June 28, 2013 at 12:36 pm

If you are a Republican, you are the reason there are people like John McCain, Lindsey Graham and Nancy Mace who claim to be Republicans…

Some people are just smart enough not to call themselves democrats, but too D@*n stupid to not act like a dumb@$$ democrat…you sound like the latter…

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Frank Pytel June 28, 2013 at 12:51 pm

While some people have no brains at all.

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GrandTango June 28, 2013 at 1:36 pm

I’m sorry Frank. I didn’t mean to leave you out…

And you’re correct, You Liberal-Tarians are some Brain-less some beeches…You vote for idiots that NOBODY else will vote for (except you)…So you end up giving us elected officals that F*#k it up for everybody….

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Sh Na Na June 28, 2013 at 2:31 pm

…and you give us Santorum, Bachmann, Perry, Gingrich…

GrandTango June 28, 2013 at 2:41 pm

If you would trade EITHER, or Cain, for the Sorry FAILED Some Beech we have in there now…you are one IGNORANT, American-Hating B@$t@rd….

Jan June 28, 2013 at 2:03 pm

Hmm, lets review what has transpired since the voters kicked the Republicans out of the Presidency:

1. Stock Market up almost 100%

2. Unemployment Down

3. Misery index down

4. Annual deficit as a Percentage of GDP down every year since Bush’s last budget year.

5. Housing Prices up

6. Consumer Confidence Up

7. War in Iraq Over

8. War in Afghanistan winding down.

Should I go on?

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Frank Pytel June 28, 2013 at 2:08 pm

I WANT A BUTTON TO GIVE MINUS 12
-100

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GrandTango June 28, 2013 at 2:57 pm

Lots of LIES…you dumb Some Beech…

1- Fed propping up Stock Mkt. for Rich FatCats (if you have no job, you cannot invest)…

2- Unemployment (only the data, not the people w/o jobs) is down because the new people on food stamps and disability quit looking. Plus: the numbers are manipulated by a corrupt administration…

3- Imaginary number based on fooling Dumb@$$#$ like Jan. TRUE Misery is WAY UP…

4-Sounds like Mumbo-jumbo contrived to trick Dumb@$$#$, like Jan…

5-House prices may be up more than Foreclosure prices, but house prices compared to when your lord Obama took office are still WAY Down…

6-Not sure what consumers you’re polling on confidence, but they must only be IRS agents…

7- Bush’s Win in Iraq is Obama’s only legitimate claim to VICTORY-Success in 5 years…

8- Afghanistan has been bloodiest ever under Obama…and he loved that war…and is showing us how to LOSE it…

Frank Pytel June 28, 2013 at 3:13 pm

I didn’t say it moron

Jan June 28, 2013 at 3:52 pm

Well T the FACTS I have provided are all true, and all capable of being Fact Checked. (I know you don’t really like facts, they confuse you. Typical of Republicans) I even chose to use the same statistics you were using to attack Obama before the last election. Remember your rants about the misery index and the unemployment rate, etc. Oh and the consumer confidence number was from Rasmussen. Remember you said he was the most accurate pollster in America. By the way, while I was checking to be sure, I also notice the Rasmussen’s Index of Investor Confidence is also way up over when Bush left office, so I will add that. The internet never forgets!!

I will give you this. The annual deficit as a percentage of GDP statistic was a cheap shot. That is way above your head. No way for you to respond.

Once again you are a proven liar and hypocrite.

Oh I forgot

Bin Laden dead

Gaddafi dead.

GDP Up

GrandTango June 28, 2013 at 4:10 pm

Gas prices up…
Taxes up
IRS targeting US Citizens/Obama enemies…
Let 4 dies in Benghazi
Dearth of new federal oil drilling permits
Raided Gibson guitars
Attacking coal
Lack of approving new Nuclear permits
Obama voters cheating..
Fast and Furious…
Solyndra
Failed on Immigration policy
New Black Panters
Social Secuity cuts
Keystone Pipeline…
Blocked Boeing
Household income down 10%
ObamaCare
Death Panel
Arab Spring-Muslim Brotherhood
Dr. Gosnell agreement
Need I go on….

Jan June 28, 2013 at 4:02 pm

You want to give me a minus 100 for stating verifiable Facts? Not surprising. But then again facts do tend to be biased against Republicans.

Frank Pytel June 28, 2013 at 4:34 pm

1. When you learn about economics (which everyone will be taking a crash course shortly) then call me.

2. When you learn about the real unemployment numbers (near 50% because of people in prison, disability, retired, etc.) then call me.

3. The MN Misery index is actually up.

4. I don’t do adjusted numbers (and Bushy was no different from Obutthead or RayGun ) Up is up.

5. House prices are being held up by speculators that purchase houses and sell them above or just below 2006 market values in order to keep their investments paying. That will change shortly. They can’t buy them all. Further, new home sales near a 5 year high!! BFD. We’ve been in this crap for nearly 10 years now. Stop reading the headlines and start reading.

6. Consumer confidence is BS as a measure of economics. A nation of consumers can not grow. When you learn about economics then call me.

7. Syria is about to begin and,

8. Afganistan ain’t over yet.

Now, how about Gitmo, Snowden-NSA, Catch a meteor?(WTF is that). And that’s just national. Would you like to move to the various states trying to run this country into the ground? How about world news. The Euro economy is in the shitter. Who do you think they by their shit from? Chinese economy is right alongside of it. Who do you think buys their shit?

You fucking libitard chicken littles screamed bloody murder when Bushy was in office (who did no better than OJACKASS) but now that your ‘LORD AND SAVIOR’ (©2008-2013 BIG T, Inc.) Oshitforbrains is in office it’s all roses. Fact is we’re still in the hole that they dug and we ain’t going anywhere anytime to soon.

Have a Great Day, Jan!! :) There won’t be many left with the Repuklicrats and Demlicans in charge.

Same ol' Same ol' June 28, 2013 at 3:43 pm

That’s what I call me some cherry pickin’. Now where’ that damn $600/month I’m missin’, shit, gotta be ’round here somewhere.

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Jan June 28, 2013 at 3:57 pm

As I said to T, all of these are FACTS which along with FACTS I’ve added below are capable of being checked. Feel free to add such missing economic data as you feel necessary, so long as it can be checked.

GrandTango June 28, 2013 at 4:16 pm

Are you the Jan who lives on Fantasy Island…????

Jan June 28, 2013 at 4:21 pm

You got me T, there is no comeback from that. In my fantasy world Facts matter.

Frank Pytel June 28, 2013 at 4:36 pm

Apparently not Jan, but at least you keep the conversation alive. Now I gots me somebodies to cuss. Ya’huh

Thomas June 29, 2013 at 3:47 am
Frank Pytel June 28, 2013 at 4:35 pm

Damn Skippy. Praise the Lord and pass the Food Stamps Brother.

Frank Pytel June 28, 2013 at 4:39 pm

Hey Jan, Where was your “Stock Market up…” blah blah, in November of 2012? Come to think of it, I might have to research your last post here, Hmm?

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Thomas June 29, 2013 at 11:04 am

Gov Haley should give native son Fed Chairman Bernanke the Order of the Palmetto.

Frank Pytel June 29, 2013 at 3:48 pm

Not

? June 28, 2013 at 4:54 pm

Yes, of course. You are right. Everything is AWESOME!

Ha!

First, you are completely wrong about the misery index:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misery_index_(economics)

Not only is the AVERAGE under Obama much higher, when you account for gov’t bullshit inflation #’s you can see the 2% “asterisk” there, which means it’s probably higher without the average too.

Even further, if you account for inflation many of your other points are wiped out too, especially 1 & 4.

In fact, you can have a shrinking economy and still show positive GDP because of the printing press, or “G” portion of the GDP equation, which makes that statistic a complete farce.

Unemployment down compared to what?

Is any of this an endorsement of Bush? No. He was a douchebag too.

Credit goes to Obama for finally drawing some troop levels down in Iraq(though the sub contractors remain).

That being said, Afghanistan troop levels are right around the average of Bush’s tenure because Obama actually EXPANDED troop levels there. So a “wind down” has yet to be seen from that perspective.

Not to mention the hugely increased number of drone strikes….

But really Jan, are you trying to sell everyone that we’ve had some kind of meaningful “recovery”?

You and I may be “ok”…but I don’t see how you can dispute that a lot of people are hurting badly.

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jilted1 June 29, 2013 at 5:16 pm

More investigations into government agencies than ever before under Spooky’s watch. Corruption out of control and a media that protects him

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William July 1, 2013 at 5:57 pm

More investigations by Republican.

trapped in ct June 29, 2013 at 9:45 pm

In the words of Mark Twain, there are lies, damned lies, and then there are statistics.

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Frank June 28, 2013 at 12:31 pm

I am a Republican and voting Sheheen! I F’D up casting a vote for Haley and will NEVER make that mistake again. I would vote for Scott; except, he IS much too close to our current incompetent, self serving Gov.
I’ve followed Sheheen closely since the last election and feel he gets a bad rap, is a middle of the road conservative Democrat.
I owe him a vote and a chance after this idiot Haley.

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vicupstate June 28, 2013 at 1:10 pm

If Scott gives up a senate seat to run for Governor then he is a lot dumber than we have been led to believe.

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tomstickler June 28, 2013 at 3:33 pm

He would have to make up his mind whether to run for Governor or run for Senator in 2014. One or the other, since he has to stand in 2014 for the Senate regardless.

Although — would SC law allow Scott to run for both, sorta like Paul Ryan ran for VP and his House seat in 2012?

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vicupstate June 28, 2013 at 1:10 pm

If Scott gives up a senate seat to run for Governor then he is a lot dumber than we have been led to believe.

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tomstickler June 28, 2013 at 3:33 pm

He would have to make up his mind whether to run for Governor or run for Senator in 2014. One or the other, since he has to stand in 2014 for the Senate regardless.

Although — would SC law allow Scott to run for both, sorta like Paul Ryan ran for VP and his House seat in 2012?

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Smirks June 28, 2013 at 2:52 pm

If Nikki Haley doesn’t run. Hope his ass is comfy in D.C. then.

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Smirks June 28, 2013 at 2:52 pm

If Nikki Haley doesn’t run. Hope his ass is comfy in D.C. then.

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screwednsc June 28, 2013 at 3:16 pm

Scott cannot win a GOP primary statewide.

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screwednsc June 28, 2013 at 3:16 pm

Scott cannot win a GOP primary statewide.

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Dumas June 28, 2013 at 7:13 pm

Our very own Uncle Tom.

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Dumas June 28, 2013 at 7:13 pm

Our very own Uncle Tom.

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C. Speight June 28, 2013 at 8:43 pm

Reading my posts, Will? This from 2 days ago. Since posting, one of Scott’s collegues told me he “ain’t buying it,” and a major Haley politico reminded me they are actively raising funds (and, apparentlt, lots of it) for her re-election.
http://thewatchlog.com/2013/06/26/governor-tim-scott/

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Spy on this June 29, 2013 at 2:43 am

“Reading my posts, Will?”

No one reads your posts fat man.

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C. Speight June 29, 2013 at 9:47 am

You’re right on both counts. How sweet of you.

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carrie June 30, 2013 at 12:29 pm

I ain’t buying it either. This is the most powerful position a woman in SC can have and she isn’t going to give that up unless something better comes along.
Bet she will win again and then leave to run for a VP position in 2016 election.

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C. Speight June 28, 2013 at 8:43 pm

Reading my posts, Will? This from 2 days ago. Since posting, one of Scott’s collegues told me he “ain’t buying it,” and a major Haley politico reminded me they are actively raising funds (and, apparently, lots of it) for her re-election.
http://thewatchlog.com/2013/06/26/governor-tim-scott/

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Spy on this June 29, 2013 at 2:43 am

“Reading my posts, Will?”

No one reads your posts fat man.

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C. Speight June 29, 2013 at 9:47 am

You’re right on both counts. How sweet of you.

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carrie June 30, 2013 at 12:29 pm

I ain’t buying it either. This is the most powerful position a woman in SC can have and she isn’t going to give that up unless something better comes along.
Bet she will win again and then leave to run for a VP position in 2016 election.

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Thomas June 29, 2013 at 3:41 am

Well, who is going to run for US Senate? Special election is 17 months away. Jenny? Darla? Glenn? Mayor Benjamin? Rep Baccarat Sellars? Rep Gilda? Speaker Bobby? Rep Wilson….ding-ding-ding. US Rep Wilson should run for US Senate!

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Thomas June 29, 2013 at 3:41 am

Well, who is going to run for US Senate? Special election is 17 months away. Jenny? Darla? Glenn? Mayor Benjamin? Rep Bacardi Sellars? Rep Gilda? Speaker Bobby? Rep Wilson….ding-ding-ding. US Rep Wilson should run for US Senate!

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9" June 29, 2013 at 3:51 pm

he ugly

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9" June 29, 2013 at 3:51 pm

he ugly

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jilted1 June 29, 2013 at 5:14 pm

Coon? Mama used to shue those off the backporch with a broom. Not raccoon, you idiot, a niggra.

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jilted1 June 29, 2013 at 5:14 pm

Coon? Mama used to shue those off the backporch with a broom. Not raccoon, you idiot, a niggra.

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Polyphemos June 30, 2013 at 11:05 pm

I’ll vote and work for Tim, any time, anywhere. That’s all. (fade in Patton theme..)

I have seen some very interesting homophobic remarks from some of you Democrats. I wonder what MSNBC would think of that? Of course, they would have to be able to think.. but.. never mind. I’ll get my Demo friend to ask Paula Deen to bake you Democrats another pie, seeing as how she loves Obama and all.

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Slartibartfast June 30, 2013 at 11:05 pm

I’ll vote and work for Tim, any time, anywhere. That’s all. (fade in Patton theme..)

I have seen some very interesting homophobic remarks from some of you Democrats. I wonder what MSNBC would think of that? Of course, they would have to be able to think.. but.. never mind. I’ll get my Demo friend to ask Paula Deen to bake you Democrats another pie, seeing as how she loves Obama and all.

Reply

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