The Hill News

A key Republican freshman said Tuesday that he's heard from "most" of the crop of potential 2012 Republican candidates for president.

Rep. Tim Scott (R), a South Carolina lawmaker who was elected to one of the two freshman leadership positions in the GOP, said that he's heard from a number of candidates, but suggested he wasn't nearing an endorsement.

"I've spoken to most of the guys," Scott said on ABC's "Top Line" webcast. "First in the South; we've done a very good job of selecting the person to represent the Republican Party. I think we'll continue to do so."

While Scott's just a freshman, he's considered a rising star in the GOP, and hails from a relatively safe district. The Palmetto State boasts the nation's third nominating contest, and is usually an opportunity for a conservative candidate to make waves in the race for the nomination.

Scott scored a notable endorsement in his primary battle against Paul Thurmond (the son of longtime Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.)) from Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R). If Palin runs, Scott's endorsement could help her sew up a victory in South Carolina, if she's still in the race by that point.

The freshman made no bones about the fact that he'd like to see a conservative emerge as the GOP's eventual nominee.

"I like a person who is philosophically in line with the right-hand side of the party. I need someone who understands that spending cuts is the fastest way to grow our economy," he said. "I need someone who philosophically agrees with the fact that our moral foundation is important to us."

"We have a tough battle on our hands. We have a liberal president who's becoming a centrist," Scott later added.