Local

York representative throws hat in ring for DeMint's seat

SOUTH CAROLINA — A South Carolina representative from York could be in the running to replace U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint.

Rep. Ralph Norman told Eyewitness News that his name is on a list of people Gov. Nikki Haley could appoint to that vacant seat.

Earlier this week, DeMint, who's just two years into his second term, announced he will step down in January.

"I did make it known to the governor's staff that I do want to be considered," Norman said.

Haley was tight-lipped Saturday about who she was considering for the race. However, one of Norman's colleagues said he would be perfect for the seat, because he embodies DeMint's and Haley's conservative values.

"If you talked to Mr. DeMint, he would tell you that he and Ralph Norman share the same political fervor in keeping our country to the right," said Rep. J. Gary Simrill, a Republican from District 46.

Norman said he is preparing for the possible transition and already setting congressional priorities.

"Debt's at the top of the list. Look at the businesses, look at the country, look at an unemployment rate. We're going to have to face that. It all starts with getting a financial footing as anything starts with," Norman said.

Eyewitness News asked Haley when she would make a decision. She would only say "quickly."