McConnell: Sad day for him, reassuring day for SC

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — State Sen. Glenn McConnell says it’s a sad moment for him but a reassuring day for South Carolina.

McConnell announced Friday that he will assume the largely ceremonial duties of lieutenant governor with the resignation of Ken Ard.

In doing so, McConnell leaves the powerful post of Senate President pro tempore he has held more than a decade. McConnell told reporters in his North Charleston home Friday that he simply could not have lived with himself if he had tried to maneuver around the Constitution to keep his more powerful job.

He said that it’s a reassuring day that the people will know that those they elect take their constitutional duties seriously.

McConnell also said some people have told him he’s made the biggest political sacrifice in state history.