Sitting judge deemed qualified to run for new term

A sitting member of the South Carolina Supreme Court who lives in Mountain Rest has been deemed qualified and nominated to seek re-election this year, according to the draft of the final report issued today by the state Judicial Merit Selection Commission.   Justice John Few is one of four men to compete for Seat One on the state’s high court.  A joint session of the legislature decides the election.  The judicial candidates may not seek or accept commitments from lawmakers until Monday, February 9 at noon.  Merit selection commissioners had this to say about Justice Few:  “The Commission thanked Justice Few for his over 25 years of service on the Circuit Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court.  The Commission noted his high intellect and his dedication to the rule of law. The Commission has concerns about his temperament on the bench; however, it accepted Justice Few’s assertion that he will continue to balance his passion on the bench with a needed, peaceful dialogue with attorneys.”