A historic attempt to remove South Carolina State Treasurer Curtis Loftis from office has begun in Columbia, marking the first such proceeding in the state's history.
According to AP News, the Republican-controlled Senate voted Wednesday to initiate removal proceedings against Loftis over a massive $1.8 billion accounting error and his subsequent failure to report it to the General Assembly.
The unprecedented action requires a two-thirds majority vote from the Senate and House to remove Loftis from his position. A hearing scheduled for April 21 will allow senators to present their case, with Loftis or his legal representative given three hours to respond before the matter moves to the House.
A decade of financial discrepancies uncovered
A comprehensive 58-page report released last week revealed that South Carolina's financial records have contained inaccuracies for the past decade. Forensic accountants discovered the missing funds weren't actually spent money but rather resulted from unreconciled errors during system transitions.
The investigation highlighted serious concerns about Loftis's management of state finances. Senate investigators concluded that the treasurer's office demonstrated persistent incompetence in maintaining accurate financial records.
Loftis has strongly denied any wrongdoing, claiming the investigation is politically motivated. He points to his four successful elections since 2010 as evidence of public trust in his leadership.
Contentious confrontations with state officials
During Senate subcommittee hearings, Loftis displayed combative behavior, including slamming papers and threatening to walk out. His conduct drew sharp criticism from lawmakers who questioned his temperament.
Republican Senator Stephen Goldfinch said, "The treasurer tried to cover them up. He covered it up for the better part of seven to eight years."
The situation escalated when Loftis threatened to publish sensitive financial information online, including bank account numbers, prompting emergency intervention from the governor and state police chief.
Legislative challenges ahead
The Senate's "removal on address" hearing passed without opposition, but the measure faces uncertainty in the House. Republican representatives have shown reluctance to publicly support Loftis's removal.
Governor Henry McMaster has expressed reservations about the severity of removal as a consequence. However, his role in the process remains limited under state law.
The state government has already spent millions on forensic accounting services to investigate the discrepancy, with additional costs expected as the proceedings continue.
South Carolina's unprecedented political showdown
Curtis Loftis, a Republican state treasurer facing removal over a $1.8 billion accounting error, awaits a crucial April 21 hearing that could end his political career. The South Carolina Senate's decision to initiate removal proceedings marks the first attempt to remove a statewide elected official in over 200 years of state history. The outcome hinges on securing two-thirds majority votes in both legislative chambers, while House Republicans remain hesitant to support the measure despite damaging evidence of financial mismanagement and confrontational behavior.
