Nikki Haley to announce DeMint’s U.S. Senate replacement at noon

South Carolina Republican Gov. Nikki Haley will announce at noon Monday her pick to replace resigning U.S. Republican Sen. Jim DeMint.

"@nikkihaley will announce an appointment to fill the vacancy created by @JimDeMint's retirement during 12 PM Statehouse newser. TODAY," Haley spokesman Rob Godfrey tweeted Monday morning.

Haley is tasked with appointing a temporary replacement senator to succeed DeMint, who announced Dec. 6 plans to resign from the Senate in early January to lead the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank.

Speculation regarding successors has centered around Rep. Tim Scott, a tea party star, and Jenny Sanford, wife of former Gov. Mark Sanford. Haley has disclosed plans to appoint a candidate who is not a temporary "placeholder candidate." Therefore, Haley's appointee will likely serve and then run in the special election to choose a permanent successor.