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South Carolina's Congressional redistricting map was precleared by the
Department of Justice late Friday, solidifying new lines that shore up Palmetto
State incumbents and also add a new seventh district, almost certain to be won
by a Republican.
The DOJ's decision means House Assistant Minority Leader James Clyburn will likely be
the state's one Democrat in the 113th Congress.
Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez, the man in charge of the DOJ's
powerful Civil
Rights Division, sent a letter to the leaders of the state Legislature
noting in crisp legalese that Attorney General Eric Holder "does not interpose
any objection to the specified change" to the proposed Congressional
boundaries.
Under the 1965 Voting Rights Act, the DOJ or the federal District Court for
the District of Columbia must preapprove any changes to voting lines in certain
states, including South Carolina.
Reapportionment granted South Carolina a new district, which the
GOP-controlled Legislature placed in the northeastern part of the state. The new
7th Congressional district is anchored in Horry County, the home county of
Myrtle Beach. State Rep. Thad Viers (R) is the early frontrunner in the race but
is expected to
be joined soon by former Lt. Gov. André Bauer (R).
Given the GOP bent of the open seat, state political operatives expect a
primary with many other contenders. Roll Call Politics rates the new seat Safe
Republican.
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