COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Republicans in the South Carolina General Assembly on Wednesday took the rare move of rejecting the only remaining candidate in a race to be a circuit judge — the 2018 Democratic nominee for governor.
James Smith’s nomination became an issue in recent days. When his unopposed nomination came up, Republican House Majority Leader Davey Hiott asked to send the race back to the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, which screens candidates.
Several Democrats said the move was unprecedented. But they could not stop it with parliamentary requests and overwhelmingly lost a vote on mostly party lines.
Smith and Columbia lawyer Justin Williams were both found qualified by the screening panel, but Williams dropped out of the race in January. Candidates often drop out when they determine their opponent has the support and likely votes of a majority of the 170-member General Assembly.
How ancient hatreds are reshaping the Middle East and forging unlikely alliances. The rise of Iran
China Mulls Tougher Rules Against Women Trafficking
China Improves Legislation to Protect Children in Cyberspace
Chinese Lawmakers to Mull Tougher Law Against Women Trafficking
Nadal loses to De Minaur in second round at Barcelona. Spaniard had returned from injury layoff
China to Build 2,000 Fitness Facilities by 2025
People participate in Malaysia
Wondrous Xinjiang: Winter Sports Fever Boosts Ice
China expels teacher for pushing for students to use Tibetan language — Radio Free Asia
Xinhua Headlines: From Serfdom to Freedom — Tibet's Progress on Democracy, Human Rights
Garland defends Biden's mental fitness and says he has 'complete confidence' in him
Chinese embassy urges U.S., UK and Australia to stop forming exclusionary blocs