City Sued Over District II Election

The city of Columbia has been sued over the election to fill former city councilman E.W. Cromartie’s seat. Paul Denman, a District II resident, filed the lawsuit, asking a judge to postpone the District II election, set for April 6.Denman’s attorney, Jay Bender, says Denman was going to run for city council, but he did not think he has enough time to campaign, nor does he think voters have enough time to examine candidates. Bender says the city is breaking the law by holding the election so soon. Columbia Mayor Bob Coble has sought an opinion from the state attorney general, but so far, there has been no response.Coble says he welcomes the lawsuit because it will clear up the issue. Judge James Barber is scheduled to hear arguments from both sides Thursday. For more on this story, click on the video player below.