Post and Courier - Tim Scott Takes Historic Oath, Puts Limit on Serving in US Senate

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By Schuyler Kropf

Tim Scott's oath of office Tuesday on the floor of the U.S. Senate took on a historic significance - the swearing in of the first black senator from the South since Reconstruction.

That was followed later by Scott's revelation that he didn't plan to make the Senate a lifelong career.

Scott, R-S.C., who was elected in November to finish out the final two years of former Sen. Jim DeMint's term, told reporters from his home state during a conference call that he hopes to be re-elected to two, full six-year terms and then plans to leave Washington.

Scott was appointed by Gov. Nikki Haley in late 2012 after DeMint left the Senate to head up a conservative think tank.

He also ruled out leaving the Senate early to run for governor in 2018, as some Republicans have been urging.

"I have no actual desire to run for governor as far as I can see," he said. "2018 is not in my sights, whatsoever."

Tuesday's swearing-in was actually two events, one in which the ceremony was held in the presence of his family and members of the state's D.C. delegation; the other was on the Senate floor. Both were led by Vice President Joe Biden.

During the family session Scott's mother held the Bible that he used to take the oath. Scott said she struggled to hold back her emotions.

"She said 'I think I'm gonna cry,'" Scott related during the conference call. "I said, 'Not now, Mom,'" adding that he then asked her to hold on for another 10 minutes.

During the Senate floor ceremony, Scott shared the oath with Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, Both won special elections in November.

Biden told the pair to raise "your right hand, guys," before delivering the oath. Afterward all three signed a registry showing the task had been completed.

Scott has been in the Senate since January 2013, appointed to the spot by Gov. Nikki Haley after DeMint quit to run the Heritage Foundation. Scott said this election was more special than that selection because he was picked by a majority of the state's voters.

Scott won in November over Democrat Joyce Dickerson. The state's other senator, Republican Lindsey Graham, will be sworn-in in January.

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