Review of some key SC House race results

Results in some of the key races for South Carolina House districts followed the state’s path to a Republican sweep with only a few exceptions.

In Anderson County District 8, Republican Don Bowen, who was best known for his work in getting the controversial Act 388 passed while a private citizen, was the winner in Tuesday’s election.  Bowen received more than 54% of the votes to Democratic candidate Tom Dobbins who had 38%.

In District 26, political newcomer Eric Bikas won the race with 66% of the votes over Democrat Judy Gilstrap who received 34%.  Bikas will replace Rex Rice, who ran unsuccessfully for Congress in June.

In York County District 47, voters chose Republican Tommy Pope  with 66% of the votes to beat the longest serving member of the House, Democrat Herb Kirsh who ended the evening with 34%.  Pope had achieved national attention for his prosecution of the Susan Smith case in 1995.

In District 60 Sumter County’s Republican Phillip Lowe retains his seat with 66% of the votes over Demcratic candidate Benny Webb who received 34%.  Questions had been raised about Webb’s eligibility since county tax records show that Webb lives outside of the district but changed his residency to a single-wide trailer inside the district that is also home to his two brothers and sister-in -law.

Florence County District 63, it was Republican Kris Crawford who won re-election with 65% over Democratic challenger Sheila Gallacher who received 34%.  Crawford continued his re-election bid despite being indicted on charges that he failed to pay his taxes on time.

One of the few Democrats to win on Tuesday is Mia Bulter with 56%.  Butler beat Republican Sheri Few who had 46% of the votes. Butler won in the District 79 primary which was held only six weeks ago.   Bulter will replace Democrat Anton Gunn, who resigned to take a position with the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

In Dist 87, which is the district Nikki Haley gave up to run for governor, Republican newcomer Todd Atwater came away with more than 80% of the votes against Democrat Pete Oliver who had 20%.

Democratic incumbent Vida Miller lost her seat in District 108 to a young 22 year-old Republican Kevin Ryan. Miller has been Georgetown’s representative since 1997.  Ryan received 54% to Miller’s 46%.