Tim Scott picked to replace Jim DeMint; 1st black GOP senator since Reconstruction

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley picked U.S. Rep. Tim Scott to be the state’s next U.S. senator Monday, making him the only black Republican in Congress and the South’s first black Republican senator since Reconstruction.

Scott, 47, takes over for Jim DeMint, who announced earlier this month he would forgo the remaining four years of this term to lead The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. His resignation takes effect Jan. 1....