South Carolina News and Sports
Earlier on the same day that the state Supreme Court welcomed its second female justice, Rep. Joan Brady reminded her peers, the press and other women that there are “17 strong women” serving in the legislature (all in the House, none in the Senate) and if more women ran, more would get elected.
Brady joined Mary G. Wilson, president of the National League of Women Voters, in a press conference at the Statehouse addressing environmental issues.
The state Senate adjourned after its first week without a vote on a Republican-backed resolution against the federal health care reform, which also voices the state’s right to sovereignty. Republican Senators have pushed a concurrent resolution to send a letter to Washington from the people of South Carolina.
Democrats argued all week that Republicans are wasting time making a blanket statement for the state’s people on a national issue, when it would be more appropriate for the Republican caucus to send a letter to Washington instead.
Orangeburg Democrat Brad Hutto helf the podium for much of session time Thursday for what had the appearance of a filibuster, but Hutto says no, that it’s just both parties working toward a compromise which he hopes will come Tuesday. Hutto says it’s also about the politics of working out the upcoming Senate schedule. [Read more...]
Justice Hearn at her swearing-in
It was a landmark day for South Carolina women in the judiciary. Judge Kaye Hearn was sworn in to the state Supreme Court, joining Chief Justice Jean Toal as the second woman to serve on the state’s highest court. Todays’ speeches by fellow justices and family, along with her own address, were filled with humor and accolades, befitting Justice Hearn’s signature sense of humor.
(Hearn’s swearing-in speech MP3 14:48)
When she was elected and again today, Chief Justice Toal said, ” “It’s a dream of a lifetime to finally welcome a sister.”
Today, Justice Toal welcomed the newest member to her bench, saying, “She will be a justice for the ages.”
Rembert Dennis Bldg Thursday afternoon
Reports say that a suspicious package was found at the office of South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster on the Statehouse grounds. The sixth floor of the Rembert C. Dennis building was evacuated Thursday afternoon as a precautionary measure, which affects about 75 people. The substance was reported to DHEC, and the situation is being investigated.
Mcmaster being briefed by authorities
A Charleston non-profit water relief organization is just one relief effort in South Carolina that is assisting the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Vice President of Disaster Response for Water Missions International Jerry Minor describes what the scene is at the Charleston plant.
“It’s controlled chaos. We are working with a situation that is chaotic on the other end and we are under control here and getting things ready and prepared, so as soon as we can get in, we can go. Yesterday we brought together 10 systems, we have 20 systems that are ready to go,” says Minor. [Read more...]
