The state’s two most powerful Democrats are now at war over one particular judgeship appointment.
Said House Minority Leader S.C. Rep. Todd Rutherford, a long standing JMSC power broker:
@RepRutherford: “You received a report from the JMSC … and the fact that you were too ignorant to read it and now want to lie to the public as if you weren’t notified, it’s your own fault.”
High ranking S.C. State Senator Dick Harpootlian responded to Rutherford:
@HarpootlianSC: Rutherford, “You’re the puppet master and (Howard) is the puppet.”
.@RepRutherford: "You received a report from the JMSC … and the fact that you were too ignorant to read it and now want to lie to the public as if you weren’t notified, it’s your own fault.”@HarpootlianSC: Rutherford, "You're the puppet master and (Howard) is the puppet." pic.twitter.com/YmjUh28tEa
— Javon L. Harris, JD (@JavonLHarris_JD) August 2, 2023
It is rare, in our state, to witness powerful Democrats going after one another like this.
However, as 1st Judicial Circuit Solicitor, David Pascoe points out, “The JMSC is rotten at its core.“
Who is the real Puppet Master?
Truth be told, the real “JMSC Puppet Master” is long term Rutherford friend, and ally, Judiciary Head, Horry County S.C. Senator Luke Rankin. Rankin and Rutherford are the two leading voices on the JMSC. Rankin and Rutherford are each Democrats, however, Rankin runs as a Republican.
HOW DID HORRY COUNTY SENATOR RANKIN BECOME SO POWERFUL?
Alex Murdaugh played a key role
Solicitor Pascoe explains how Murdaugh and the Trial Lawyers made Rankin most powerful among judiciary – “The Puppet Master”.
Why is the judicial system so corrupt?
S.C. Senate Leader Shane Massey explains why the system in S.C. is corrupt. He says on a recorded line that votes are being swapped for Judicial Appointments.
MASSEY SAYS HOUSE TRADES VOTES ON LEGISLATION FOR JUDGESHIPS
HARPOOTLIAN’S RESPONSE
This week MyrtleBeachSC News covered Senator Harpootlian’s response to the true JMSC Puppet Master, S.C. Senator Luke Rankin.
Harpootlian is now demanding reform of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission.
For those who are just becoming aware of the JMSC. The JMSC is how lawyer legislators pick S.C. Judges. The JMSC, which is made up of several high ranking General Assembly lawyers, among others, screen the judges that later get picked by the General Assembly.
Advocates claim that by the time the judges make it to the General Assembly floor for a vote, the judge has already been predetermined.