Three top Contenders from Midlands and Low-country
Former South Carolina Speaker of the House of Representatives, Bobby Harrell, who suspended himself both as Speaker and as a member of the House due to indictment on multiple ethics charges, is an unlikely candidate to replace himself as Speaker.
Ashley Landess, president of the South Carolina Policy Council, and a key participant in exposing ethics violations that led to ethics charges against Harrell, listed three House leaders she believes are contenders to replace Harrell as Speaker. The position is believed by many to be the most powerful position in S.C. Government. Landess was guest speaker at the RINO Hunt meeting Friday night in Greenville.
James Howle ‘Jay” Lucas, current Speaker Pro Tempore, is the current acting Speaker and a likely front runner for Speaker.
Lucas represents House District 65 that covers Chesterfield, Darlington, Kershaw and Lancaster counties. He has served in the House since 1999. He is a lawyer, married with one child.
Kenny Bingham is current Chairman of the House Ethics Committee. He represents House District 89 in Lexington County, and owns an engineering consultant company.
Bingham has served in the House since 2001. He is married with 3 children.
James “Jim” Merrill is former House Majority Leader and represents District 99 that includes Berkley and Charleston Counties. He is a native of Pensacola, Florida, currently residing on Daniel Island, SC. He is a public Relations Consultant and owner of Geechie Communications. He is married with 3 children and has served in the House since 2001.
All three of the house members are graduates of the University of South Carolina and represent districts in the midlands or low country.
Bruce Wyche Bannister, who represents District 24 in Greenville County, is current House Majority Leader. Bannister could become a contender as the election of speaker nears following the November 4 General Election.
Bannister has powerful political connections in the Upstate and would probably be the only chance of having a Speaker from the Upstate.
Whoever is elected Speaker may have to promise to replace some of the appointments made by Harrell.
