Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina plans to endorse former President Donald Trump on Friday, sources familiar with the matter said, throwing his weight behind his onetime rival for the 2024 nomination just days before the New Hampshire primary. …

Scott’s decision to back Trump comes as a blow to Nikki Haley, who appointed Scott to fill a vacancy in the Senate in 2013 when she was governor of South Carolina. Haley is hoping for a strong showing in New Hampshire, which holds its primary on Tuesday, Jan. 23.

The endorsement will continue fueling speculation that the former president could choose the senator as his running mate. Several other Republican leaders, including New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Haley, are also said to be among those Trump is considering and openly discussing with associates.

[Scott makes sense as a potential running mate for Trump, although so does Haley and other figures in the GOP. I’d bet on Noem first, but Scott would complement Trump too. More importantly, this bolsters Trump in South Carolina ahead of the next primary, making him even more formidable in Haley’s back yard, and takes the wind out of her sails in New Hampshire this week. — Ed]