Press Releases

GOVERNOR ABDICATES DUTY—NOW THE LEGISLATURE MUST ACT

Aug 10, 2017

“THE REPUBLICAN CULTURE OF CORRUPTION MUST STOP. THE SPEAKER AND SENATE MAJORITY LEADER SHOULD STAND UP AGAINST CORRUPTION AFTER THE GOVERNOR REFUSES TO DO SO.”

COLUMBIA, SC — After the Governor’s refusal yesterday to perform his constitutional duty Trav Robertson, Chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party, called on the Republican leaders in the South Carolina Senate and House of Representatives to use Article XV, Section 3 of the South Carolina Constitution to suspend the Attorney General from office until the Special Prosecutor’s corruption probe is completed. This demand comes in light of the information revealed in the FOIA request of the Attorney General’s emails.

Robertson stated, “The Governor, a Richard Quinn client, has abdicated his constitutional responsibility to the people of SC in order to protect the Attorney General, another Richard Quinn client. The Governor and Attorney General are surrounded by current and former Quinn employees. The time has now come for the Republican leaders in the Legislature to act.”

“We are witnessing the Republican culture of corruption at its worst. Today should be the day that Republicans decide to clean up corruption at the statehouse. Speaker Lucas, House Ethics Chair Mike Pitts, Speaker Pro-Temp Tommy Pope, Majority Leader Gary Simrill and Assistant Leader Eddie Tallon must use Article XV, Section 3 to suspend the Attorney General until the corruption probe is complete.”

Robertson continued, “Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey and Senate President Pro-Tem Leatherman must also step up and invoke Article XV, Section 3 of the constitution. Shane Massey has given speeches wanting transparency in government and calling for an end to corruption. This is his chance to prove he is either truly committed to those values or that they are just empty political speeches.”

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