Courson says he won’t become lieutenant governor

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Senate President Pro Tem John Courson says he will not relinquish his Senate seat to temporarily become lieutenant governor.

The Columbia Republican told The Associated Press on Monday that he will not under any circumstances serve in the state’s No. 2 spot when Lt. Gov. Glenn McConnell becomes president of the College of Charleston. Its board unanimously selected McConnell on Saturday for the job expected to start July 1.

McConnell reluctantly became lieutenant governor two years ago after Ken Ard resigned and pleaded guilty to ethics violations just 15 months into his term.

Courson then became president pro tem. He says the lieutenant governor’s slot doesn’t need to be filled this time because any vacancy would occur after the legislative session ends and months before voters choose McConnell’s replacement anyway.