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CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina's 1st District Congressional seat is open now that Tim Scott has been appointed as the state's new U.S. senator.

There is expected to be a lot of Republicans seeking the seat in next year's general election in the predominantly GOP district. When Scott was first elected two years ago, he emerged from a nine-way GOP primary.

Charleston County Republican Party Chairman Lin Bennett say state representatives Peter McCoy and Chip Limehouse have contacted her about running as have state Sen. Larry Grooms, Carroll Campbell III and Teddy Turner, son of media magnate Ted Turner.

Former South Carolina first lady Jenny Sanford says she will wait until after the holidays to decide if she will run. Newly elected state Sen. Paul Thurmond has also been mentioned as a candidate.