A national anti-tax group is putting money behind a South Carolina Republican endorsed by conservative heavyweights in a congressional runoff.
Federal Election Commission records Monday show the Club for Growth has spent about $54,000 supporting Tim Scott against Paul Thurmond in the 1st Congressional District.
Scott is a black insurance executive whose white rival is the son of one-time segregationist Strom Thurmond.
The contest could provide an indicator of the GOP's ability to diversify.
The winner will face Democrat Ben Frasier to replace retiring Republican Rep. Henry Brown in the coastal district.
Scott has been endorsed by former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia, the House Republican whip.
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