SC Supreme Court: Harrell seat election on ballot

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The general election to fill former House Speaker Bobby Harrell’s seat will continue Tuesday while the Supreme Court considers whether state election commissioners properly called for a special election.

The high court on Friday set aside commissioners’ decision a day earlier to allow Republicans to find a replacement for Harrell on the ballot.

The justices won’t decide before Election Day whether there will be a special election. A hearing on the case is at least weeks away.

Meanwhile, the outcome of Tuesday’s vote will be reported normally.

Harrell pleaded guilty last week to campaign spending violations and resigned from office. Even if he gets the most votes, he cannot win.

An attorney for Democrat Mary Tinkler petitioned the Supreme Court on Thursday to immediately review and overturn the commission’s decision.