Treasurer

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Republican South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis appears likely to stay in office for at least the rest of the year. The Republican-dominated House has decided not to take up a resolution passed by the Senate to kick Loftis out of office because of his role in a phantom $1.8 billion account. The account showed up on the state’s books but had barely any real money in it. Senators say Loftis failed to report it to lawmakers for years. House Speaker Murrell Smith says there isn’t enough time to take it up before the session ends May 8. Loftis plans to run for reelection next year and praised the House for choosing the people's business over political theater.

South Carolina lawmakers want to make the state's top financial accountant, called the comptroller general, an appointed position rather than elected. But first they need approval from voters.

State Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Berkeley, introduced a resolution that directs the state treasurer to freeze $1.8 billion sitting in a state account until lawmakers can sort the money out.