Byars leaves state GOP to work for DeMint

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Luke Byars will leave his job as the executive director of the state Republican Party to work for U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C.

DeMint said Thursday that Byars would be his new state director and oversee the senator's three regional offices in Greenville, Charleston and Columbia.

"I'm excited to have Luke represent me throughout the state," DeMint said. "He is a proven leader and he understands what's important to South Carolinians."

Byars has led the GOP in South Carolina since January 2003. He had spent four years as public affairs director for former Lt. Gov. Bob Peeler after four years as the taxpayer rights advocate at the state Revenue Department.

"Sen. DeMint has a positive vision to improve the future of all South Carolinians that I share," Byars said. "I'm also excited to work together with communities throughout the state to make sure their voices are heard in Washington."

South Carolina GOP chairman Katon Dawson named Scott Malyerck as interim executive director.