UPDATE November 8th: We reached out to Micah Caskey, Chairman JMSC, He texted, “I double checked S.C. Law 2-19-70(c). I think this doesn’t violate.”
AS A MATTER OF JMSC REFORM: The Supreme Court is suggesting South Carolina tighten the window to only 2 weeks before voting that judge candidates are able to reach out to legislators.
The S.C. Judicial Merit Selection Committee screened the application of 15th Circuit Family Court Judge Jan Bromell Holmes.
The members were also able to direct questions to the candidate.
Under sworn oath, Judge Bromell Holmes stated that she had not reached out to any elected officials of the S.C. House. She also stated she had not reached out to any members of the S.C. Senate. The letter below certainly speaks otherwise.
JMSC Chairman, Representative Micah Caskey, in closing stated, “I do want to take this opportunity to remind you pursuant to the commission’s provided criteria, the commission expects candidates to follow the spirit, as well as, the letter of our ethics laws and we will view violations or the appearance of violations of impropriety as serious and potentially deserving of weight of screening deliberations.”
“On that note, and as you know, the record will remain open until the formal release of qualifications and you may be called back at such time.”
JUDGE HOLMES, at minimum, WAS NOT FORTHRIGHT. SHE CERTAINLY BROKE THE SPIRIT OF THE LAW WITH THESE MAILINGS TO ELECTED OFFICIALS
