DeMint criticized for procedural motion in benefits vote

U.S. Sen Jim DeMint voted Wednesday to extend unemployment benefits to hard-hit states such as South Carolina.

But one candidate who wants his job did not like that DeMint initially voted against a procedural motion before voting on the final bill.

Chad McGowan, a Rock Hill lawyer who is running as a Democrat for the Senate seat next year, noted South Carolina's unemployment rate is more than 11 percent.

"It's troubling that Senator DeMint decided to turn his back on over 250,000 South Carolinians who are out looking for a job," he said in a statement. "I would have joined every other Senator in America in voting to extend unemployment benefits to the hard-working people of this state."

But a spokesman for DeMint, R-S.C., said he merely voted against a procedural motion.

"Senator DeMint opposed multiple efforts by Democrats to cut off debate and block improvements to the bill, but he supports extending unemployment insurance and will vote for the legislation," DeMint press secretary Wesley Denton said.

"He's disappointed it is being paid for by increasing burdens on small businesses that create jobs instead of using unspent stimulus funds," Denton said.

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., voted for the procedural vote, and two Democratic senators did not vote.

Reach Robert Behre at 937-5771 or at rbehre@postandcourier.com.

Editor's Note: Earlier versions of this story did not include the final vote on unemployment benefits. The Post and Courier regrets the error.