Scott, right, complimented the possible presidential bid by Graham, center. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo)
Tim Scott lauded the possibility of fellow South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham vying for the Republican presidential nomination but stopped short of an endorsement.
Graham announced Thursday the formation of a presidential exploratory committee, “Security Through Strength.”
“I think it would be fantastic to have the president of the United States coming from my home state,” Scott said in response to a question about Graham’s announcement earlier in the day.
Graham “is one of the candidates that, I think, will appeal to a lot of different constituencies,” Scott said. “He has [done so] as a member of the Senate and he probably…will continue to bring a very unique perspective that draws conservatives and liberals together.”
Asked if he would endorse Graham, Scott said he would wait to make that call.
“I am going to host several of these candidates, as I did in 2012,” Scott said. “So I will bring them all into the state, all that want to come, and will withhold my endorsement until an appropriate time.”
“This is a long process,” he added. “There are a lot of good candidates.”
Other potential GOP candidates under the dome include Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Marco Rubio of Florida. Several former and current governors are also weighing a run, including Jeb Bush and Mitt Romney.
Scott said he didn’t feel the need to endorse Graham just because they are from the same state.
“If and when I endorse, I am going to endorse the right candidate no matter who is in the race,” Scott said.
Scott pointed to Graham’s support for comprehensive immigration reform as a possible strength that could broaden his support beyond typical Republican voters. But he also hinted that not all primary voters will welcome that position.
“Who else has done a good job of attracting people to a conversation on immigration?” Scott asked. “We may not have the same position on the issue…but he’s done a good job of attracting folks.”
Scott said Graham is a noted expert on foreign policy, which is always an asset, and highlighted his collective experience in Congress and in the military.
“Who understands the process as well as he does after [20]…years he’s been in the House and Senate combined,” Scott said. “From tax policy to foreign assistance to military conflicts to assisting our veterans, serving in the military. He’s got a good profile.”
But Scott said other candidates also have “good profiles.”
“It will be really interesting to see how it works,” he said.
Scott said Graham told him about his plans “several weeks ago” and is “serious about” his candidacy.
Graham served in the House between 1995 and 2003 and is currently in his third term in the Senate after winning re-election last year.
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