A federal lawsuit is challenging South Carolina's highest court's decision to let a state Senate candidate once removed from the ballot to remain in the race.
The complaint this week by Reginald Williams says federal law requires that changes in state voting procedures receive federal approval before state election officials can enact them.
Last week, the state Supreme Court upheld Republican Paul Thurmond's victory in a special primary to fill the seat long held by Lt. Gov. Glenn McConnell.
Thurmond was among hundreds of candidates removed from ballots over paperwork requirements. But the justices said Thurmond was disqualified after he had become the GOP's nominee when other primary contenders were kicked off the ballot.
So the court said the party could therefore hold another primary - which Thurmond won.
