Thurmond in GOP runoff for primary still in court

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The former Republican nominee for the Senate seat long held by Lt. Gov. Glenn McConnell is in a runoff to be the nominee again. But the state Supreme Court could declare the do-over primary invalid.

Former Charleston County Councilman Paul Thurmond was the top vote-getter in Tuesday’s GOP primary but failed to win the three-way primary outright. Thurmond received 43 percent of votes, while Sen. Walter Hundley received 37 percent. He’s had the job two months.

A runoff is planned Oct. 2.

The son of the late Sen. Strom Thurmond was thrown off the ballot last month when a judge ruled Thurmond did not properly submit paperwork. The judge ordered a special primary, but that decision is being appealed.

If the decision stands, hundreds more tossed off ballots could sue.