Less than three weeks after this story and a companion investigative piece were published, Gov. Henry McMaster in a letter to the S.C. Senate called for reforms in the magistrate selection process, pointing out that his "Relatively recent predecessors adopted or acceded to a custom of senatorial deference, whereby a local senator or county senatorial delegation is relied upon as the sole source for nominations." McMaster in his letter contended that candidates have not been "Sufficiently vetted in recent years" and noted that dozens of magistrates have been "Acting in a holdover capacity" after their four-year terms have expired.
At least one magistrate in 22 of the state's 46 counties was listed in that status, with Spartanburg County topping the group with 20 judges.
Nine magistrates have been in holdover status for at least five years, with two judges - both in Oconee County - serving more than 17 years beyond when their terms expired, The Nerve's review found.
Aiken County has no magistrates in holdover status, according to the Governor's Office and Judicial Department lists.
"Otherwise, we just have an indefinite amount of period for the holdover." 'More accountable' But Sen. Rex Rice, R-Pickens, says he supports keeping magistrates in holdover status if necessary.
Asked if keeping magistrates in that status gives him too much control over them, Rice replied, "I don't think it does because I have the power to appoint them anyway." He pointed out that as a contractor, he doesn't appear before magistrates in his county or represents clients before them, adding, "So I have no conflict of interest before them." All three magistrates in holdover status are doing a good job for now, Rice said.
For most Oconee County magistrates, their annual pay ranged from $54,489 to $89,357, according to the fiscal year 2022 wage-and-salary survey by the South Carolina Association of Counties.
https://www.thenerve.org/s_c_senators_maintain_strong_grip_on_local_magistrates
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