PICKENS COUNTY – Third District Rep. Jeff Duncan said Sen. Jim DeMint will be missed to the state and the conservative movement following his resignation yesterday.

Duncan also said he would be honored to be considered as DeMint’s replacement to the senate.

As a member of the South Carolina Congressional delegation, Duncan’s name rises to the top of those to be considered for the post that DeMint has announced he will vacate in January.

SC Gov. Nikki Haley will make the decision. A name is expected to emerge by next week.

“I am happy for Jim and thankful for his service to the nation,” Duncan said in an interview Friday morning. “He has been a mentor to me and to conservatives who believe in limited government, free markets and individual liberties. He will be missed as a senator, and I know will be a strong advocate for conservative principals through the Heritage Foundation.”

Duncan’s relationship with DeMint has been a good one.

“He is a wonderful man and never told us to vote a certain way. He would tell us where he was and where he came down on something. He would say where conservatives are supposed to be,” Duncan said.

Duncan said he has not spoken with the governor about DeMint’s replacement, either to consider others or to be considered himself.

“I’d welcome the conversation (to be considered for the senate post),” Duncan said. “I’d be honored, but I’d like to see someone who could be even half the man that Jim has been. We need someone who has the same conservative principals (as DeMint).

The congressman continues focused on current events, he says.

“Today I am focused on doing the best job I can do for the 3rd District and the state. We need to be concerned about the fiscal matters the debt we are under and the fiscal cliff,” he said.

Check with the Easley Progress, Pickens Sentinel and Powdersville Post next week for more of Duncan’s comments on budget negotiations. The story will also be updated on theeasleyprogress.com, pickensentinel.com and powdervillepost.com.