Columbia, SC — True to his word, U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint has served our state for no more than two terms. Unlike many of his colleagues, who believe themselves to be greater statesmen than our Founding Father and first president, George Washington, Sen. DeMint has chosen to vacate his seat and allow another citizen to serve.

While many politicians graft themselves like barnacles to the chairs they occupy in legislative bodies, we can take pride in the fact that Jim DeMint has never believed that becoming the longest-serving member of a political body was anything to be proud of.

Gov. Nikki Haley should replace him with U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson. While I admire the conservative positions of Reps. Trey Gowdy and Tim Scott, they are vibrant young men, and the House is a young man’s arena. Let them gain a few more years’ experience.

Republicans shouldn’t be alarmed at this idea. Twelve years as a representative and 12 as a senator is enough. It is Joe’s time to move up, or come home. If Republicans have been doing their jobs, they have groomed some viable replacements. It shouldn’t be hard to triumph over the tax-and-spend socialist-progressive opposition.

GOP leaders should be preparing for Sen. Lindsey Graham’s possible departure too. That is, should he rise to the occasion and refuse to run for a third term rather than becoming another encrusted political barnacle.

K.J. Dolney

Columbia