GOP-Elect Declines Black Caucus Invite

WASHINGTON - South Carolina Rep.-elect Tim Scott, one of two black Republicans elected to the House in November, has decided not to join the all-Democratic Congressional Black Caucus. Rep. Scott issued the following statement on the matter:

“While I recognize the efforts of the CBC and appreciate their invitation for me to caucus with them, I will not be joining at this time. My campaign was never about race,” said Mr. Scott.
“My campaign has been about themes that unite all Americans–restoring the American dream by reducing the tax burden, decreasing government interference in the private sector, and restoring fiscal responsibility, and I don’t think those ideals are advanced by focusing on one group of people. I believe that by promoting our conservative values we will grow the economy, which will make everything else possible. The black community, like all communities, will benefit when businesses can use their profits to hire more workers instead of paying higher taxes; when companies decide to locate in America instead of overseas; and when our government no longer saddles our children’s futures with ever-increasing debt. I therefore plan to dedicate my time and energy in Congress to working on these areas.”