Friday, December 7, 2012

Conservative Sen. Jim DeMint Moves on to Heritage Foundation

Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., has resigned his post to become the president of the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank based in Washington. The conservative replaces Edwin J. Feulner, who steps down in April after nearly 35 years as the foundation's head. DeMint is the third high-profile resignation from Congress since the November election. Jesse Jackson Jr. and Jo Ann Emerson, a Democrat and Republican, resigned their House seats less than a month after being elected to another term in the House.

Why is DeMint a good fit for the Heritage Foundation?

In a statement released by the organization, Feulner stated DeMint "understands that conservative principles and values advance the interests of all Americans-regardless of age, gender, wealth or race." DeMint responded to his new position by saying he "decided to join The Heritage Foundation at a time when the conservative movement needs strong leadership in the battle of ideas."

How will the resigning Senator continue to be a conservative voice?

The New York Times reveals DeMint was able to raise funds for tea party candidates such as Sharron Angle of Nevada in 2010 and Richard Mourdock in Indiana in 2012. The departing senator also helped elect conservative senators in Florida, Texas and Utah. His latest setback in the Senate stemmed from going against Speaker of the House John Boehner's proposal to increase revenue to help avoid the looming "fiscal cliff" before Jan. 1.

How will South Carolina replace DeMint's seat?

Gov. Nikki Haley will appoint a replacement until residents of South Carolina elect a successor in a special election in 2014. That particular year will feature two Senate elections as Sen. Lindsey Graham's seat is also up for election, according to the Washington Post. The resigning senator was last elected in 2010.

Who has shown interest for the position?

CNN reports Rep. Tim Scott, a Republican from the state's Second District, is the leading candidate to take the spot. If Scott earns the appointment, his position will be rare. He would be the Senate's only African-American member and just the second Republican African-American senator in Congress since the Reconstruction era. Rep. Mick Mulvaney, Republican fundraiser Barry Wynn and state Sen. Greg Ryberg are also considered possible candidates.

How long was DeMint's public service career at the federal level?

The resignee was first elected to Congress in 1998 as representative and served in that capacity until 2005. DeMint was elected to the Senate in 2004 and was elected to that position twice. He is a native of Greenville, S.C., and is 61 years old.

William Browning is a research librarian specializing in U.S. politics.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/conservative-sen-jim-demint-moves-heritage-foundation-221800423.html

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