COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The Democratic candidate for South Carolina superintendent of education is pulling out of the race after reports he had a felony conviction that would prevent him from serving.
Israel Romero told The Post and Courier of Charleston on Wednesday he is withdrawing because of health problems. The newspaper said Romero refused to talk about reports Tuesday in the Greenville News and Anderson Independent-Mail that he was convicted of the unauthorized practice of law in 2008.
The South Carolina constitution prohibits candidates from serving within 15 years of a felony conviction.
Romero was running against Republican incumbent Molly Spearman, who is seeking her second term. There are no other candidates.
State Election Commission spokesman Chris Whitmire said it is too late to remove a candidate's name from the ballot.