Republican Rep. Tim Scott (S.C.) is flexing his freshman muscle by hosting meetings to introduce the GOP presidential hopefuls to Palmetto State voters in advance of the key early primary in 2012.

Scott’s “First in the South” town hall series will kick off Sunday in Charleston with former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman.

Scott will host Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.) on Aug. 25.

His site, timstownhalls.com, allows voters to submit questions for the contenders. Co-sponsors include some local Republican party committees and tea party groups.