Tim Scott Nears Campaign Launch

“Sen. Tim Scott’s preparations for a presidential run are well underway, putting the South Carolina Republican on track to be the next candidate to formally mount a White House bid,” Politico reports.

Key takeaway: “In public polling of the potential Republican presidential field, Scott is still registering in the low single digits. But Scott, a prolific fundraiser popular with both the donor class and with small-dollar contributors, is the only prospective presidential candidate sitting on more than $20 million in hard federal campaign dollars.”

Playbook: “Scott’s working to carve out a lane with evangelical Christians, embracing a much calmer and optimistic style than other notable hopefuls and candidates. Whether it actually works in a party where Trump’s brand of politics has been dominant remains to be seen.”