South Carolina’s Tom Ervin Withdraws, Endorses Democratic Candidate

Tom Ervin, an independent candidate for governor of South Carolina, announced that he is dropping out of the race and throwing his support behind Democratic nominee Vincent Sheheen.

In making his surprise announcement earlier this afternoon, the wealthy Greenville attorney and radio station owner, accompanied by his Democratic opponent, described the current gubernatorial contest as one of the most important elections of his lifetime.

“That’s why I felt it was necessary to put aside my personal ambitions for the greater good of the state I love so much,” he said in endorsing Sheheen.

“Politics isn’t about left or right, it’s about doing right by the people of our state,” the 62-year-old Ervin said in a statement released by the Sheheen campaign. “Nikki Haley has put her national ambition and party loyalty before us too many times.

“I know Vincent Sheheen. He is a man of impeccable character and has bold vision for our state’s future. Most of all,” continued Ervin, “he’ll always put South Carolinians first.”

In withdrawing from the race, the self-described “independent Republican” acknowledged that he hasn’t always agreed with his Democratic rival. “But with a week to go, it’s decision time,” he said. “And I know in my heart that our state will be so much better served with Vincent leading us forward.”

Despite spending heavily, including loaning his own campaign some $3.4 million, Ervin’s independent candidacy had failed to catch fire with Palmetto State voters. Recent polls showed him polling in the low single digits.