COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A former South Carolina lawmaker has dropped his effort to head a state agency he once helped supervise from the General Assembly.
News outlets reported former Laurens Republican Rep. Mike Pitts wrote the South Carolina Conservation Bank on Monday saying his health will prevent him from taking over as director.
Pitts wrote bank chairman Doug Harper that the Senate confirmation process had a profound effect on his cardiac rehabilitation process from a heart attack.
Pitts said he was put under stress by what he called “aggressive” questions in a Feb. 14 confirmation hearing.
Pitts also said the “divisive bitterness” of a Senate confirmation vote would harm his health and the agency that oversees land conservation efforts in South Carolina.
Pitts came under fire about his job qualifications.
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