State orders new election for Harrell’s seat

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — State election commissioners have agreed to let Republicans replace former House Speaker Bobby Harrell on the ballot, one week after he resigned his seat under a plea deal.

But the state Supreme Court may make the final determination.

The State Election Commission ordered a special GOP primary Thursday for the seat representing parts of Charleston and Dorchester counties. Commissioners set the one-week filing period to begin Election Day.

The commissioners’ unanimous decision came moments after they rejected Harrell’s withdrawal statement, calling it unnecessary.

Commission Chairman Billy Way said Harrell’s guilty plea for campaign finance violations disqualified him from running.

Hours later, Democrat Mary Tinkler’s attorney asked the Supreme Court to immediately hear the case and overturn the commission’s decision, to allow the general election to continue.