South Carolina Statehouse Blog

Subcommittee finds insufficient evidence of serious crimes or misconduct 

(Columbia, SC) – House Speaker Bobby Harrell issued the following statement about today’s Subcommittee hearing:
 
“First of all, I would like to thank each member of the Subcommittee for taking time away from their family and job during this busy holiday season to meet and investigate this matter.  With the regular legislative session beginning next month, it is important that we fully investigate and properly address this issue in a timely manner so that we can begin the session working on the issues South Carolinians care about the most.
 
“The Subcommittee has held four hearings, reviewed all the information from the State Ethics Commission’s investigative report, taken testimony, made follow-up inquiries and debated the issues.  They have conducted a thorough investigation into any possible serious crimes or serious misconduct committed by our state’s highest elected official.
 
“I agree with the majority opinion reached by the Subcommittee.  The threshold for removal from office is a very high standard, and from the evidence made available to them, it does not appear that the Governor’s actions have met that threshold for removal from office.  While his actions were clearly revealed to be irresponsible, misguided and hypocritical, the Subcommittee found that they did not reach the Constitutional definition of serious crimes or serious misconduct necessary to remove the Governor from office.
 
“I also agree with the Subcommittee’s decision to favorably pass a censure resolution today.  The Governor’s actions brought great shame upon himself, his office, our state government and our citizens.  This entire situation - the multiple investigations, court cases and media barrage - could have been easily avoided if the Governor had acted in the best interest of our state and resigned from office, as I and a majority of lawmakers urged him to do months ago.  Instead, the Governor insisted on remaining in office despite the embarrassment and distraction he has brought to our state.  A legislative decree condemning the Governor’s irresponsible actions is absolutely warranted.
 
“Whether the Governor’s actions require punishment by the State Ethics Commission or criminal prosecution in a court of law is not a determination that can be made by this legislative body. The South Carolina Constitution only gives the Legislature prosecutorial authority over matters related to the removal from office, and that is where the scope of this investigation begins and ends for the House.
 
“The proper procedure needs to be followed for this investigation to be completed and some level of closure brought to this matter.  For that to happen, the full Judiciary Committee needs to meet, consider all the facts, debate the issues and rule on the Subcommittee’s recommendation.  After this process is complete, the General Assembly can turn its full attention to addressing the major issues of the approaching legislative session.”
 
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