Governor’s Counsel Moves to Intervene in State Supreme Court

Columbia, S.C. - May 26, 2009 - Counsel for Governor Mark Sanford today said they will move to intervene in a state court case regarding a disputed $700 million in stimulus funds, after the Supreme Court this afternoon released its schedule for hearing the case.

The state Supreme Court today said it has accepted original jurisdiction over the suit -- originally filed by former S.C. Democratic Party Chairman Dick Harpootlian and former video poker operative Dwight Drake - and will hear oral arguments on Thursday. The expedited timeline makes it appropriate to intervene.

Earlier today, the governor’s counsel filed to remove the S.C. Association of School Administrators suit to federal court. On Friday a federal judge will receive briefs and on Monday will hear arguments on whether to keep that case in federal court.

“This issue is about the fundamental balance of power between the Executive and Legislative branches of South Carolina government, and we hope for all concerned it is decided quickly,” Gov. Sanford said.

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Joel Sawyer
Communications Director
Office of Gov. Mark Sanford
(803) 734-5254 - work
(803) 446-6713 - cell
(803) 734-6447 - fax