SC Democrat critical of taxpayer-funded commute

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The Democrat challenging Secretary of State Mark Hammond is generating interest in the down-ballot race by criticizing his 183-mile round-trip commute to Columbia that’s funded by taxpayers.

There’s nothing illegal about Hammond’s commute from Spartanburg. His 2007 Dodge Durango is considered a job benefit.

Democrat Ginny Deerin just thinks it’s wrong. She says the secretary of state should either live in Columbia or personally pay for a daily commute.

Hammond is among four elected officials and 10 agency heads who drive a state vehicle and charge gas fill-ups to a state card.

State law dating to 1978 requires that statewide officers and agency directors be offered a state vehicle. The law specifically exempts elected officials from reimbursing for their commute, though they must calculate their personal miles for tax purposes.