Former House Member Fined For Harassment

Columbia, S.C. (AP) — The House Ethics Committee has fined former Rep. Edward Southard $2,000 for harassing several women at the Statehouse.
Under the agreement signed Wednesday, Southard must pay the fine within 30 days.
The committee found the 69-year-old Republican from Moncks Corner violated the House’s no harassment policy.
Southard resigned his Berkeley County seat April 27, saying he wanted to protect his family and honor. But he remained on the ballot – unopposed – to potentially regain his seat in November.
As part of the settlement, Southard agreed to remove his name from the ballot. Southard also agreed to the terms to end the matter but admits no guilt.
House Ethics Chairman Kenny Bingham says the committee imposed the harshest fine it could and also publicly reprimanded Southard.