The Republican Party is poised to nominate and elect its first black Republican congressman from South Carolina in a century. State Rep. Tim Scott is the Sarah Palin and Mike Huckabee-endorsed, black, anti-gay Tea Party conservative. Scott is the only black Republican expected to win this cycle and just "one of two or three given any chance at all," reports the Washington Post.
After placing first in the primary two weeks ago, Scott faces a runoff with Paul Thurmond in today's GOP House primary runoff. Thurmond is a member of the Charleston County Council and son of the late Sen. Strom Thurmond, who infamously ran for president in 1948 on the segregationist "Dixiecrat" ticket. After his death, it was discovered that at age 22 he fathered a child with his family's black maid.
The national GOP—hoping to elect its first black congressman since J.C. Watts (Okla.) left office in 2003—has thrown its support (and cash) behind Thurmond's opponent, state legislator Tim Scott. "Tim Scott deeply believes in what makes America and certainly South Carolina great -- faith, family and freedom," said former Arkansas governor and presidential contender Mike Huckabee, who on Friday became the latest national figure to throw his support behind Scott. Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin jumped in the next day. And although the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) is officially neutral in the race, two of its top leaders have given money to Scott's campaign.
On the candidate's website, Scott boasts: 'Tim Scott believes in the sanctity of traditional marriage between a man and a woman and opposes gay marriage." The candidate also opposes repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
Tim Scott also supported the GOP-dominated state legislature's proposal to slash the state's entire HIV/AIDS budget, including funding to the critical AIDS Drug Assistance Program. Columbia, SC has the 9th highest HIV rate in the nation. New seroconversions in the Carolinas are disproportionately young black gay and bisexual men. More at our pieces for Black AIDS Weekly, "Recession Forces States to Slash ADAP" and "New Data Reveal HIV Hammering Black Gay and Bisexual Men."
My, my....must be an anxious time for white supremacists in the Palmetto State: in this congressional race they have a choice between a black male and the blood brother of a black woman.
My, my...life's choices in the 21st Century.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 22 June 2010 at 12:15
And so it begins..
Self Hating, Anti-Gay Black Republi-Thugs are filling the vacuum that was created after the election of Barack Obama. It's quite ingenious isn't it?
For most White Hate Merchants, voting for a Black Republi-thug is like going to see a Will Smith movie; It absolves them of any residual guilt,and makes them smile on the inside.
Yeah, it's genius.
Posted by: Black Pegasus | 22 June 2010 at 12:46
Preach, Derrick from Philly, preach!
Just what the world needs, another Black Republican. Do you think that will check the nation GOP's patently racist agenda?
Where is Mr. J.C. Watts now, anyway?
Posted by: Mad Professah | 22 June 2010 at 18:06
Boo...to this guy, everything he stands for, and his DUMB ASS political party. They're all atrocious and I can't stand ANY OF THEM.
Posted by: MW09 | 22 June 2010 at 18:48
"For most White Hate Merchants, voting for a Black Republi-thug is like going to see a Will Smith movie"
Good point!
Posted by: Carlos | 22 June 2010 at 22:47