Columbia, SC (WLTX) - State Senator John Courson has resigned as President Pro Tempore of the South Carolina Senate, the most powerful position in that legislative body.
Courson made the surprise announcement on the floor of the Senate Wednesday afternoon. The Richland County Republican did so because he said he did not want to become the lieutenant governor.
News 19's Jennifer Bellamy reports that Courson made his decision at 1:00PM Wednesday, following discussions with his wife regarding the choice.
Courson says he was forced by Glenn McConnell, the current lieutenant governor, to resign. McConnell, is set to step down from office on Thursday so he can become the College of Charleston President. According to the State Constitution, the Senate Pro Tem becomes the lieutenant governor when that position is vacant.
Courson told Bellamy he wanted to keep his word to constituents of his Senate District and properly represent them, and if he had taken the lieutenant governor position so close to the end of term, it would have required he step down from his seat for just a temporary position.
He also expressed concern that a legal battle could be coming, saying he did not want to be in the middle of possible lawsuits contesting Senate succession.
The position of lieutenant governor is considered less desirable than the senate pro tem, because the leader of the senate has considerable influence over the direction of legislation.
Courson also said that up to McConnell's announcement, a number of lawmakers had attempted to talk the lieutenant governor out of stepping down from office, and he hopes someone will step forward to fill the lieutenant governor role.
Courson said the intent behind his stepping down would be incentive for McConnell to stay.
Earlier this week, Courson had said he felt he didn't need to take the job, and that the position could remain vacant until voters pick a new lieutenant governor in the November general election.
That, however, would have meant there would be no sitting lieutenant governor for seven months. Governor Nikki Haley had expressed dismay earlier in the week about that potential option.
With the Senate pro tem required to ratify the budget and other bills that come before the senate, the immediate future of legislation is now reliant upon the speedy election of Courson's successor.
Courson knows of no senate member interested in that role at this time.
