No new candidates allowed; SC sets primary ballots

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina Election Commission is telling the state Republican Party it can’t put someone back on the June primary ballot without violating a state Supreme Court order.

The commission sent an email Thursday telling the state GOP it can’t recertify a state Senate candidate, two weeks after decertifying her. It notes the high court set a May 4 deadline in its decision on improperly filed financial forms.

GOP leaders voted Wednesday to put Katrina Shealy back on the ballot. The vote followed a speech by Republican Gov. Nikki Haley, a Shealy supporter. Other protesting candidates were not recertified.

Shealy wants to again challenge Sen. Jake Knotts, a fellow Republican and political thorn in Haley’s side.

Haley’s spokesman says an agency shouldn’t stand in the way of a free election.