James Smith got a $200,000 deal courtesy of AG Wilson; now he wants another from the legislators.

Today is the day for ‘electing’ judges in South Carolina. As one of just two states where the legislators, many of whom are trial lawyers, pick judges, this is how it is done – at least for now.

Among the more controversial appointments, a/k/a elections, this year is that of James Smith, the ‘chosen’ nominee of the uni-party as well as the Democrats for the resident Circuit Court judgeship in the 5th judicial circuit. FitsNews reported earlier this year that threats were made to the other candidate in order to pave the way for the very liberal Mr. Smith, a personal friend of AG Wilson, to receive such a coveted position.

Friendship has its benefits. Especially in SC.

By all accounts, Smith has essentially been doing various quasi law-related jobs for the past few years, yet General Wilson found him imminently qualified for a lucrative state contract when Special Counsel was retained for the South Carolina Opioid Settlement.

This appointment allowed Smith to be paid directly via an allocation of the South Carolina Opioid Fee Fund per the Order of Judge Perry Gravely dated January 4, 2023 (2019CP4004521). The result for Mr. Smith was $200,909.92.