John Courson is the new Senate President pro tem in South Carolina, after defeating Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler by a 27-17 vote.

• Position: PEOPLE & POLITICS - Brief article

JOHN COURSON IS THE NEW SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEM IN SOUTH CAROLINA, after defeating Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler by a 27-17 vote. Minority Democrats handed Courson the margin of victory, voting for him 18-1, while Republicans split their votes between Courson and Peeler. The post opened when longtime Senate President Glenn McConnell was sworn in as lieutenant governor, following the resignation of Ken Ard, who was indicted on 99 counts of campaign and ethics violations. Stepping down from the powerful post into a largely ceremonial position, McConnell said the constitution was clear that it was his duty--as Senate president pro tern--to become...