Labor leaders made it clear Tuesday they didn't like how state Rep. Wallace Scarborough's gunfire episode was handled.

About 40 labor sympathizers rallied off Folly Road, where some said it appears as if the Republican's political office protected him from prosecution.

"No working man or woman who did what Scarborough did would get off scot-free," said Erin McKee, a local union advocate.

"Scarborough was not held accountable in a courtroom," she added. "Let's make him accountable at the polls."

In a peaceful gathering under the hot noon sun, the group demonstrated across from state Rep. John Graham Altman's house to bring attention to the plight of all utility workers.

Altman was a target because, as Scarborough's lawyer, he blamed the confrontation on South Carolina Electric and Gas workers for entering a backyard without permission.

Altman wasn't home to hear the protest.

Scarborough, R-Charleston, was arrested and charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill July 15 after firing a single gunshot as two SCE&G linemen inspected storm damage. They were in the backyard of his parents' home in The Crescent neighborhood in West Ashley.

Scarborough carried the 9 mm handgun into the backyard because he thought the men might be burglars. The weapon accidently went off into the ground, he said, after he had tripped while walking away from the men.

Ninth Circuit Solicitor Ralph Hoisington, also a Republican, opted not to prosecute, saying the event did not amount to an intentional crime of assault with intent to kill.

Roger Clyde, business manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 398, which represents the two linemen, said Scarborough is the one at fault.

"These men should have been apologized to from the very start," he said. "These men were doing exactly what they were supposed to be doing, where they were supposed to be doing it."

Some rally attendees played up the image of Scarborough as a loose cannon.

"West Ashley, Not the Wild West," said one protest sign.

"Thank Them, Don't Shoot Them," was on another.

Some wore target practice bull-eyes that said "Don't shoot!" in red ink.

The two SCE&G linemen were scheduled to attend the rally but were no-shows after being called to work on storm damage the previous night, Clyde said. Several area unions were represented at the gathering, including dock workers, firefighters and government employees.

"Solidarity, just a show of support," said Kenny Riley, president of the Charleston dockworkers. "It's just outrageous," he added.

Scarborough faces Democrat Eugene Platt in November in House District 115 around James Island.

Contact Schuyler Kropf at 937-5551, or skropf@postandcourier.com.