#SCStateHouse: Power Shakeup

One of South Carolina’s most influential and well-connected political operatives is leaving the Palmetto State this year to become U.S. president Donald Trump’s ambassador to Switzerland.

Ed McMullen’s departure leaves a tremendous vacuum of power in state politics.

Who will step up to fill it?

According to our sources, Lewis Gossett – chairman of the S.C. Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) – has negotiated an agreement with McMullen to purchase his public affairs company.

Gossett will resign his post with SCMA effective October 31, sources familiar with the situation told us.

Who will replace him?

According to our sources, corporate attorney Rob Smith of Charlotte, N.C.-based Moore & VanAllen is in the running for the post – as is former S.C. Department of Revenue (SCDOR) director Rick Reames.  Another popular rumor is that the S.C. Chamber of Commerce – which has long coveted SCMA’s membership – will make a play to absorb the organization.

Developing …

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