COLUMBIA, S.C. - A Columbia lawyer has been named chairman of the South Carolina Election Commission, the agency announced Wednesday.

Gov. Mark Sanford appointed Karl "Butch" Bowers to replace John West, who served as chairman for two years.

Bowers works for Nelson, Mullins, Riley and Scarborough, focusing on business litigation, election law and campaign finance.

Sanford also appointed Edward Pritchard of Sullivans Island to replace John Martin on the five-member commission.