McConnell’s rise to lt. gov. may elevate the job

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — State Sen. Glenn McConnell stands to become the most influential South Carolina lieutenant governor in modern times, though it’s a job he never wanted.

The Charleston Republican will give up his posts as Senate president pro tem and chairman of the Judiciary Committee when he is sworn in Tuesday.

Even though he didn’t want the job, McConnell could be a lieutenant governor who truly fills the role of president of the Senate that is described in the state constitution.

McConnell could have side-stepped the move but chose not to out of a sense of duty to uphold the state constitution and its designated line of succession.