Independent drops out in SC, opposes Haley

Independent South Carolina gubernatorial candidate Tom Ervin announced Tuesday that he is dropping out of the race and endorsing the Democratic candidate, Vincent Sheheen, against Republican Gov. Nikki Haley. 

The move could make the race somewhat more competitive. Haley, who has been spoken of as a possible 2016 presidential contender or vice presidential pick, had opened up a high double-digit lead in recent polls. 

{mosads}A Charleston Post and Courier poll last week put Ervin at 11 percent. Haley would lead, even if all Ervin’s support shifted to Sheheen, but her advantage would come down into single digits. 

Sheheen, a state senator, lost to Haley in the same match-up by 4 percentage points in 2010. 

Ervin appeared at a press conference with Sheheen on Tuesday.

“Today I am endorsing @vincentsheheen for governor. I believe he can restore honesty and integrity to that office.” #sctweets #SCGov

— Tom Ervin (@TrustInTom) October 28, 2014

Big News: @TrustInTom‘s endorsing Vincent: “We deserve a governor we can trust.” pic.twitter.com/sjKrCo1ewx

— Vincent Sheheen (@vincentsheheen) October 28, 2014

Haley last year faced ethics controversies over the use of state vehicles and disclosure of campaign donations.