COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The Latest on South Carolina’s high court begin asked to settle constitutional questions on a lieutenant governor’s vacancy (all times local):
5:30 p.m.
South Carolina’s most powerful politician says the state Supreme Court should wait until and if the lieutenant governor’s office becomes vacant before deciding whether to settle a dispute over who fills it.
In court documents filed Tuesday evening, Senate President Pro Tem Hugh Leatherman argued justices would be “wading into a hypothetical arena” by issuing any ruling before Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster is actually sworn in as governor.
He notes that relies on several assumptions, including that U.S. senators confirm Gov. Nikki Haley as U.N. ambassador.
Sen. Tom Davis wants the high court to settle a discrepancy on whether a constitutional amendment changing the lines of succession is in effect. If it is, McMaster could appoint his successor. Regardless, Leatherman has refused to become lieutenant governor.
Earlier Tuesday, Attorney General Alan Wilson agreed the justices must resolve the ambiguities
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3:45 p.m.
South Carolina’s attorney general agrees that the state Supreme Court should resolve questions over whether Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster could pick his replacement if Gov. Nikki Haley becomes U.N. ambassador.
In court documents filed Tuesday, Attorney General Alan Wilson agreed with state Sen. Tom Davis that the justices should settle a discrepancy on whether a constitutional amendment changing the lines of succession is in effect. But Wilson makes clear he takes no legal position on their finding.
If the 2014 vote is in effect, Senate President Pro Tem Hugh Leatherman could easily keep his powerful leadership post. Regardless, the Senate’s leader has refused to become lieutenant governor.
Last month, House Speaker Jay Lucas and House Judiciary Chairman Greg Delleney asked the high court to throw out Davis’ request.
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