(AP) -- Lt. Gov. Glenn McConnell says he won't run this year to reclaim his seat in the South Carolina Senate.
McConnell said Thursday he's deeply grateful for the requests, but he can't in good conscience pursue his Senate seat so soon after taking the oath as lieutenant governor.
McConnell gave up his powerful posts as president pro tempore and Judiciary Committee chairman when he was sworn in Tuesday. He also gave up 32 years of seniority.
The Charleston Republican reluctantly assumed the post after former Lt. Gov. Ken Ard resigned and pleaded guilty last Friday to campaign fraud.
McConnell says he'd love to return to his position, but the timing is impossible.
Democratic Sen. Robert Ford of Charleston introduced a resolution Thursday allowing McConnell to retain his seniority if he's re-elected.
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