Published on January 24, 2024, 2:06 am

In the realm of real news, a recent surge of criticism has been directed at South Carolina Republicans by the state’s Freedom Caucus. The reason behind the uproar is the GOP’s support of a once pro-abortion Democratic leader to occupy the position as South Carolina’s next circuit court judge for the 5th Judicial Circuit. Trustworthy news reports identify this controversial figure as James Smith.

Smith isn’t an anonymous figure in politics. Back in 2018, he ran for governor as South Carolina’s Democratic gubernatorial nominee and led the House of Representatives as a Democrat. His vocal support and advocacy for Planned Parenthood hasn’t gone unnoticed either – in fact, he was officially endorsed by Planned Parenthood Votes! South Atlantic (PPVSAT) during his campaign for governor.

Citizens for Life, a recognized pro-life group, has firmly stated that any legislator voting in favor of Smith will be scored against. Smith’s history includes routine criticism of former President Donald Trump’s policies such as tariffs and his public backing for Hillary Clinton’s unsuccessful presidential campaign raised eyebrows among conservatives.

It’s important to realize that in South Carolina, judicial appointments are not unilateral decisions but depend on a democratic process involving the General Assembly. Despite Smith’s political leanings and controversial backing, he seems to have garnered support from a substantial number of Republican lawmakers in his pursuit to serve on the S.C. circuit court.

Reports indicate that responses from Republican members of the South Carolina Legislature have yet to be received when approached for comments about supporting Smith, thus providing no clarity from their side.

Competition over this significant appointment is heating up as well with Smith challenging African American attorney Justin Williams who formerly served as an assistant solicitor for the 5th Judicial Circuit and now works extensively in insurance defense law.

As expected, members of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus are raising strong objections against Smith’s potential appointment and targeting their criticisms towards him directly. The caucus’ Network Director Evan Newman finds this judicial race as a perfect example of the pressing need for major judicial system reforms and more true conservatives in the South Carolina General Assembly.

Newman expresses concern over liberal tendencies creeping into states traditionally considered conservative, warning that just because an individual identifies as a ‘Republican’ does not necessarily mean they uphold traditional conservative values.

The accusations don’t end there – state Rep. RJ May goes further by describing Smith as a “Planned Parenthood-endorsed, Trump-hating, Biden-loving liberal.” He even suggests that drastic steps towards judicial reform are urgently needed to combat what he views as liberal tendencies within the ranks of their own party.

State Rep. Adam Morgan voices his disapproval too; he argues that the same Republicans pushing for Smith’s judicial appointment are those who have supported liberals in past appointments. Drawing attention to James Smith’s track record from a Christian worldview and his opponents’ perspective unveils cutting-edge breaking news developments unfolding within South Carolina’s political landscape.