S.C. Politics

Martin takes over as Senate Judiciary chairman

One of the most powerful panels in South Carolina’s state Senate now has a new leader.

Pickens Republican Larry Martin took over Tuesday as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Martin has been in the state Senate since 1993 and previously was in the state House for more than a decade.

The committee had been led by Glenn McConnell. The Charleston Republican reluctantly gave up his position as Senate president pro tem – and committee chairman – earlier Tuesday when he was sworn in as lieutenant governor. McConnell replaced former Lt. Gov. Ken Ard, who resigned Friday and pleaded guilty to campaign fraud.

Martin promised Tuesday to do his best to lead the committee.

The Associated Press

Democrat files for Lexington clerk’s race

Democrat Joan Waggoner Guy joined the race Tuesday to become Lexington County clerk of court.

Guy is the only Democrat to announce thus far to face the winner of a multi-candidate field of Republicans, including incumbent Beth Carrigg.

Guy, a nurse, said she will improve services the office provides in assisting judges and collecting child support.

Tim Flach

Former state representative to address group

Former state Rep. Anton Gunn, regional director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will be a featured speaker at 9:45 a.m. today at a conference presented by the S.C. Chapter National Association of Social Workers.

Gunn will focus largely on the state of social work in today’s economic climate. The conference is being held at the Doubletree Hotel, 2100 Bush River Road. For more on the conference, go to scnasw.org.

From Staff Reports

This story was originally published March 14, 2012 at 12:00 AM with the headline "S.C. Politics."