(Update 3 at the bottom.)
South Carolina's Republican Senator Jim DeMint announced today that he will be resigning in January to become the next president of the conservative research group, The Heritage Foundation, based out of Washington, D.C.
"I'm leaving the Senate now, but I'm not leaving the fight. I've decided to join The Heritage Foundation at a time when the conservative movement needs strong leadership in the battle of ideas,” DeMint said in a news release.
I'll point you toward this article in today's Washington Post for more coverage.
Update December 10: There's been no word yet on who Governor Nikki Haley has in mind as her choice for Sen. Jim DeMint's replacement. Haley has stated, however, that she will not appoint herself for the position.
Update 2, December 13: Word is that Gov. Nikki Haley is close to naming a successor for DeMint's seat. Sullivan's Island local and former S.C. first lady Jenny Sanford is rumored to be a leading candidate along with Rep. Tim Scott of North Charleston.
The State offers a nice roundup that you can read here.
Update 3, December 17: The New York Times is reporting that Governor Nikki Haley will announce at noon today her decision to appoint Representative Tim Scott as Jim DeMint's replacement in the United States Senate. Read on at The New York Times.
