The argument on why it's time for S.C.'s Ken Ard to go (Update: McConnell to swear in)

Update March 13, 2012: Glenn McConnell, a Charleston senator representing the 41st District, will be sworn in today as South Carolina's new lieutenant governor.

The Post & Courier has a write-up on what this means it terms of a balancing act for our region. Swing on over and check it out.


 

Update March 9, 2012: Ken Ard has officially resigned from his position as Lt. Governor as a result of his violations with using campaign finances for personal expenditures.

As you can see from the first reports below, this has been an ongoing story and black eye to Columbia for almost a year. The State has the details on the resignation including the letter submitted to Governor Nikki Haley and how Ard's empty seat will be filled. Read more here.


Update 7/26: State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Chief Mark Keel gave the go-ahead for a grand jury investigation yesterday, Monday July 25.

So far the embattled Lt. Gov has had to pay $72,500 in fines for ethics violations, fines for breaking state campaign finance law and repay his campaign for reimbursement for improper spending. The Sun News via the Associated Press has the full story. 

Moreover, what's a good political scandal without some rumors floating around, and FITSnews has some info on one of the latest rumors regarding Ard's resignation that didn't come this past Friday. Hop on over to FITS for some rumor mill gossip that has questions of deals being cut for Ard with the with South Carolina. Attorney General Alan Wilson for Ard to avoid indictment. 


First Report 7/25: As calls for South Carolina's Lt. Gov. Ken Ard to resign grow, Statehouse Report Publisher Andy Brack has joined the chorus with a column titled, "Time for Ard to do honorable thing."

In it Brack details the myriad of woes that have befallen Ard and his alleged misuse of campaign funds to buy personal items like luxury hotel stays and iPads.

But the argument is not only that it's the right thing for Ard to step down, but that the scandal has wiped what little influence the little influence job has (the joke in South Carolina is that the Lieutenant Governor is the Governor Lite,) Brack says:

Regardless of whether Ard is indicted, now is the time for him to step down and deal with the problems brought on by his own naiveté and self-indulgence. If he continues as lieutenant governor, it would be in name only. His effectiveness and trustworthiness are toast.

Take a read of the full column here.

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