Tim Scott, the only Black Republican in the Senate, views former President Donald J. Trump’s 34 felony convictions as politically positive for his party — and a circumstance that will help increase Black and Hispanic support in November.
“The decision last week is actually helpful to driving more folks to the Republican Party,” Mr. Scott told reporters, adding that the convictions would help conservatives win over Black men who “are so fed up with this two-tiered justice system.”
Mr. Scott announced a $14 million plan led by his super PAC to help persuade Black and Hispanic voters to support Mr. Trump and other Republican candidates.
In his announcement, Mr. Scott portrayed himself as one of the best spokesmen to achieve a goal that has long proved difficult for the Republican Party. But it also appeared aimed at communicating with one man in particular, Mr. Trump, for whom Mr. Scott is a potential running mate.
The former president, who has prioritized his campaign’s courtship of Black voters, is said to be considering potential vice presidents who can, among other things, help his campaign raise money and offer it some political upside.
Mr. Scott said he was positioned to help Mr. Trump and other Republicans win more Black and Hispanic voters because of the role he has played as a South Carolina senator, including in increasing funding for historically Black colleges and universities and backing new criminal justice laws aimed at reducing recidivism rates among federal prisoners and expanding early-release programs.
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