Federal judges could decide to delay SC primaries

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A three-judge panel will meet next week to consider delaying South Carolina’s June 12 primaries in the wake of a state Supreme Court decision that removed nearly 200 candidates from ballots.

U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie heard arguments Thursday from an attorney for Amanda Somers, who says her candidacy was thrown into question after justices ruled financial- and candidate-intent paperwork must be filed at the same time. Somers was ultimately allowed on the ballot.

Currie allowed a Senate candidate from Edgefield who was tossed off to join the suit.

While disregarding several arguments, Currie says allegations the state violated federal law in sending separate ballots overseas for federal and local races may have merit.

Some counties have yet to send out a second round of ballots following the court decision.