After South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint decided to resign to join the Heritage Foundation, a great deal of interest focused on whom South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley would choose to replace him. She decided on Republican Congressman Tim Scott, and since then the focus has been on the fact that he is African-American, and the first black Senator from the South since the days of Reconstruction.

But we here at F&CS Legal: The Insurance Coverage Law Information Center take note of another element in Senator-designee Scott's background: Prior to his election to Congress, Mr. Scott was a professional insurance and financial advisor and a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. Although several former NAIFA members are currently serving in the House of Representatives, Mr. Scott will be the first former NAIFA member to join the Senate.

“I've had the honor of speaking with Representative Scott on several occasions and I'm confident that he brings a wealth of knowledge about the insurance and financial industry to the U.S. Senate,” said NAIFA President Rob Smith. “His background gives him a unique understanding of the crucial role advisors play in helping American families and small businesses gain financial security. NAIFA looks forward to working with Senator Scott in 2013 as Congress undertakes tax reform important to our members, their clients and all Americans.”