Survey: S.C. legislators show enough support for removal of Confederate flag
COLUMBIA, S.C. - A survey of South Carolina legislators shows there is enough support to remove the Confederate flag from Statehouse grounds if all supporters cast a vote.
The Post and Courier newspaper, the South Carolina Press Association and The Associated Press asked all lawmakers how they intend to vote. At least 33 senators and 82 House members say the flag should go.
That appears to meet the two-thirds majority needed from both chambers to move the battle flag. That rule is part of the 2000 compromise that took the flag off the Statehouse dome and put a smaller, square version beside a monument to Confederate soldiers.
The flag push follows the shooting deaths of nine people at a historic black church in Charleston on June 17. The pastor, state Sen. Clementa Pinckney, was among the dead. The suspect in the shooting was shown in photographs brandishing the flag as a symbol of hate. Gov. Nikki Haley called on legislators a week ago to send the battle flag to a museum.
There are currently 123 legislators in the House and 45 in the Senate.
The exact number needed to pass a bill is uncertain. The two-thirds requirement applies to whoever is present and voting at the time.
A day after Haley made her public request, legislators overwhelmingly approved a resolution allowing them to add the flag to their special session's agenda. But that doesn't mean the debate will go smoothly. Some did not want to risk harsh words amid a week of funerals. Legislators are expected to return to Columbia on Monday to consider Haley's budget vetoes and take up legislation that would remove the flag.
"This is truly a defining moment for the leadership of this state and nation - not by mere words but bold and decisive action," said Rep. Jerry Govan, D-Orangeburg, a House member since 1993.
Like most of the Legislative Black Caucus at the time, Govan voted against the 2000 compromise.
Some legislators responded that they would not weigh in until after the funerals for all nine victims.
Others say they're still undecided.
Rep. Bill Taylor, R-Aiken, said he won't take a position until a proposal comes before him for a vote. Two bills have been filed in the House. Both were sent through the committee process.
"I don't vote on hypotheticals," Taylor said. "Undoubtedly, there will be amendments and compromises to the bills filed. When it all becomes more clear, I'll make a decision."