Chellis backers don't expect suit to affect treasurer's race
By Schuyler Kropf
Supporters of state treasurer candidate Converse Chellis don't expect accusations from a seven-year-old lawsuit that was settled out of court to derail his effort at the top job.
Chellis, a Republican state representative from Summerville, was the subject of several accusations made by a former business partner as their accounting firm was breaking up, including fraud.
Money was at the heart of the dispute, but one of the charges that led to the firm's breakup included "Chellis's conduct toward female employees," the suit contends.
In her 2000 suit, former partner Martha H. Bryan addressed issues that led to the closing of their firm, Chellis, Bryan and Associates.
"Disputes arose between the members of CBA, concerning Chellis's conduct toward female employees, Chellis's work ethic, and financial rewards," the complaint says.
The suit was ultimately settled out of court and withdrawn.
Chellis did not respond to phone messages Wednesday but later e-mailed a statement: "I want to reassure you that these attacks are totally without merit, and are merely an attempt by our opponents to derail the election process. ... I have decided that the prudent course is to not dignify these attacks with a response because a response is exactly what the opponents are hoping for."
Chellis is considered the overwhelming frontrunner to be named the successor to former state Treasurer Thomas Ravenel, who resigned after he was charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine by federal prosecutors.
State Rep. Jim Merrill, R-Daniel Island, a Chellis supporter, said he didn't think the lawsuit would affect Friday's vote by a special session of state lawmakers on a Ravenel successor.
"I'm hopeful that there is a good explanation for it," he said.
Also in the running for the treasurer's post are state Sen. Greg Ryberg, R-Aiken, and Gov. Mark Sanford's pick, Charleston County Council Chairman Tim Scott.
Information on the lawsuit, filed in Charleston County, began appearing on a South Carolina political blog and Web sites late Wednesday afternoon.
Reach Schuyler Kropf at skropf@ postandcourier.com or 937-5551.
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