Courtroom drama in SC primaries isn’t over yet

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The courtroom drama over South Carolina’s primaries is not over.

A judge will hear arguments Thursday on whether there should be a runoff for the Democratic nomination in the new 7th Congressional District.

The state Election Commission ruled Gloria Bromell Tinubu won the nomination after deciding not to count votes for Ted Vick, who had pulled out of the race after his late May driving under the influence arrest. Vick’s name was still on the ballot and he got 2,341 votes. Not counting those votes boosted Tinubu from 49 percent to 52 percent.

Supporters of second-place finisher Preston Brittain sued, saying those votes should be considered in determining a majority.

The lawsuit affects the Republican race, too, because a judge has prevented absentee ballots from being sent for Tuesday’s runoff