Lawmakers fail to override gov’s HPV vaccine veto; women’s health loses (again) – South Carolina legislators couldn’t muster the votes on Tuesday to override Gov. Nikki Haley’s veto of a bill that would offer an optional, cancer-preventing vaccine to young women, Palmetto Public Record reported yesterday. Women’s health advocates accused lawmakers of choosing politics over good policy, despite droves of experts who say the HPV vaccine helps protect young women from a virus which causes cervical cancer.
In SC-7, it’s Tinubu (D-Georgia) vs. Rice (R-Haley) after decisive runoff – Former Georgia Rep. Gloria Tinubu beat establishment favorite Preston Brittain by nearly 50 points Tuesday evening for the Democratic nomination in South Carolina’s new congressional district, Palmetto Public Record reported yesterday. Tinubu will face Horry Co. Councilman Tom Rice, who beat former Lt. Gov. André Bauer by 12 points for the Republican nomination despite Bauer’s five-point win in the initial primary vote earlier this month.
Budget deal reached; state workers to get raises – South Carolina lawmakers reached a budget deal late Tuesday, only four days before the state’s fiscal year ends, according to The State’s Adam Beam. Legislators now have to approve temporary funding to keep government running after midnight Saturday, giving Gov. Nikki Haley time to review the spending plan for any vetoes.
GOP runoff in state Senate race headed for recount – The Republican primary runoff election in a Greenville County state Senate race will go to a recount, as unofficial results Tuesday show that only 36 votes separate candidates Ross Turner and Joe Swann, according to the Associated Press. Under South Carolina law, a recount in an election is mandatory if the difference between the winner and second-place finisher is less than one percent.
Michael Haley’s Facebook post not a violation – First gentleman Michael Haley did not violate federal rules when he posted comments on Facebook comparing the deaths of three S.C. soldiers in Afghanistan with the state Senate’s failure to vote on one of his wife’s pet political proposals, the head of the S.C. National Guard said Tuesday, according to The State’s Andrew Shain. Adjutant General Robert Livingston said Haley returned to work after a review of rules about federal and Army personnel making political comments.
