A little over a month ago, this website ran a story on Angela Hanyak, one of three Democrats running in the special election for S.C. House District 113 (map).
Within fifteen minutes of this website publishing a preview of Hanyak’s race, anonymous sources leaked us information about a recent driving under the influence (DUI) arrest involving the 31-year-old first-time office-seeker.
To her credit, Hanyak – a Charleston-area marketing professional – immediately confirmed the report and offered up her version of what happened. She also noted that she wasn’t convicted of DUI as a result of the incident – nor did she plead guilty to the charge.
“While I’m not proud of the circumstances that led to the incident, the experience taught me a great deal about how our legal system does – and in some ways does not – work for everyday South Carolinians,” she said.
Needless to say, we were impressed by her candor …
(Click to view)
(Pic: Provided)
Now, less than a week before primary voters head to the polls in this race, information has surfaced indicating that one of Hanyak’s Democratic opponents also has a recent DUI arrest on their record – one that has since been scrubbed from circuit court filings.
According to Charleston County, S.C. detention center records obtained by this website, politically connected attorney Marvin Pendarvis – another Democratic candidate seeking this seat – was arrested and charged with DUI last March.
That record has since vanished … well, almost.
(Click to view)
(Via: BailBondCity)
As we noted last month, we don’t believe a DUI arrest is necessarily a disqualifying offense for an aspiring elected official. Things happen in life, and obviously neither of these two candidates were convicted on this charge.
It’s just interesting to see how differently these two situations played out in this race, with one candidate openly acknowledging her arrest and the circumstances leading up to it and the other … well, not.
Hanyak, Pendarvis and pastor Chris Collins are all seeking the Democratic nomination for this seat – which became vacant thanks to the resignation of former lawmaker Seth Whipper (news of which was first reported by our website).
Two “Republicans,” Rouzy Vafaie and Theron Sandy, have also filed.
According to our sources, Hanyak has been extremely aggressive working the grassroots in this district, going door-to-door and engaging a passionate network of committed volunteers. Her hope? That her energy will make up for Pendarvis’ advantage in fundraising.
Partisan primary elections have been scheduled for September 5 (next Tuesday) – with runoff elections taking place on September 19, if necessary.
The general election is scheduled for November 7.
Needless to say, we’ll be keeping an eye out for the outcome of this one ..
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