EASLEY — Area residents got the opportunity this afternoon to meet one of the nation’s newest senators, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of Charleston, and to learn of his conservative approach government.
Scott was in Easley for about an hour following meetings in Seneca and Anderson earlier in the day. He was being introduced by the popular U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan of Laurens, who represents the 3rd Congressional District, including Pickens and Anderson counties.
Scott and Duncan spoke briefly about Scott’s meteoric rise in politics from county council 18 years ago to state house to the appointment a few months ago to fill the senate seat vacated by Jim DeMint. DeMint left to become president of the Heritage Foundation.
“I owe a great deal of it (the rise to the U.S. Senate) to changing attitudes among voters who have allowed me to serve them,” the African-American senator said.
Duncan and Scott became friends serving their constituents in the South Carolina General Assembly. They have similar conservative leanings, but don’t always agree, Scott said. They leased an apartment together in Washington after both were elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. “We knew how expensive it is to live in the Washington area, so we decided to look for a way to cut costs,” Duncan said.
“I have a great deal for respect for him,” the Laurens congressman told the crowd.
Scott told the crowd of about 50 in Easley that he grew up in Charleston in a single-parent home and came to a point in high school where he was failing most subjects in school.
He had the opportunity to work with a mentor who, Scott believes turned his life around. “He showed me that you can think your way out of poverty, and if you don’t give up, you can get to a better place. I set as my mission statement to positively affect the lives of a billion people,” Scott said.
“I have faith that the best opportunities in this country lie ahead of us and not behind.”
part of the answer is for the country to live within its means. “My mama taught me that when you run out of money, you stop spending. I wish Washington knew that.
For more details on the Scott-Duncan visit check back with this website and The Easley Progress, Pickens Sentinel and Powdersville Post print editions.



















