Oconeean faces judgeship challenge

An incumbent South Carolina Supreme Court justice from Oconee, John Few, has been deemed qualified and nominated to run for re-election to a new 10-year seat on the state’s high court, according to yesterday’s announcement by the Judicial Merit Selection Commission. Justice Few, a Mountain Rest home owner, faces a challenge, however, from three other men also deemed qualified and nominated to run. They include Jay Lucas of Hartsville, a retired state lawmaker and former House Speaker. Public hearings for judicial candidates statewide took place this week over a three-day period. The panel screening candidates also found William Wylie Jr. of Fair Play qualified and nominated to run for a Family Court judgeship.  The public record of all candidates remains open until a final evaluation report on February 10.  The state legislature will elect judges on March 4.