State Elections Commission Director Marci Andino
Getting candidates back on the primary ballot will be easier said than done, according to the State Election Commission.
The commission says the SCGOP’s internal decision that some of their candidates should have been certified is a moot point, based on court rulings. The commission issued a press release (PDF) stating, “The June Primary ballots are set, ballots have been printed, voting machines have been prepared, and voters are voting.”
A state GOP executive committee heard appeals Wednesday and said that Katrina Shealy of Lexington should be on the ballot. She is challenging sitting Senator Jake Knotts, a fierce critic of Gov. Nikki Haley. Gov. Haley spoke on Shealy’s behalf at the hearing.
In an interview with South Carolina Radio Network, the state party’s Executive Director Matt Moore said, having them added” May require some court action.” Moore says the hearings were to “be absolutely sure that these candidates should or should not have been certified.”
AUDIO: Moore explains purpose of hearings, outcome. (1:18)
In a related matter, the SCGOP executive committee voted last night to allow Jim Lee to remain on the ballot for SC Senate District 8 race in Greenville county. In question was whether Lee was a resident of the district.
“I’m so disappointed to see our political process deteriorate to this, ” Lee said after the hearing. “The individual bringing the protest didn’t even show up for the hearing. There was no evidence presented whatsoever.”
