11 of 16 In RichCo Delegation Call for McBride's Resignation

In a letter from her attorney, John Nichols, Lillian McBride has declined to resign as had been requested by the 11 members of the Legislative Delegation. The letter (attached to this article), notes that in the opinion of the state Attorney General only the Richland County Election Commission has authority over McBride's employment. McBride's annual salary is approximately $89,000.

The Acting Chairman of the Commission has said in a letter (also attached) he is attempting to convene the Commission to discuss the matter, but does not expect such a meeting to occur until after January 3.

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In a letter released on Friday morning, all but 5 of the 16 members of the Richland County Legislative Delegation have called for Director of Elections and Voter Registration Lillian McBride to resign by 4 p.m. today.

The letter (which is attached) was signed by every member of the delegation except Sen. Darrell Jackson, who is the delegation chair, Sen. John Scott and Reps. Jimmy Bales, Leon Howard and Joe Neal.

The letter says that if McBride does not step down a meeting will be called for Dec. 28 to address the matter.

It was thought that McBride has resigned on Wednesday, but she sent a letter to the media saying that reports of her resignation were "erroneous."

There is some question as to which body has the authority t terminate McBride. Last month, the Attorney General's office said that the responsibility lies with the Richland County Elections Commission. But the Attorney General's opinion is not legally binding.

On Monday, the chair of the Commission, Liz Crum, resigned unexpectedly after saying she had "lost confidence" in McBride's ability to conduct an election. Sources told Patch that Crum had little support on the Commission to fire McBride. 

See Patch's coverage of the entire Richland County Election debacle HERE.

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