But this development didn't come without a few bumps.

Responding to a request from Republican lawmakers in the Charleston area, McMaster's office said last week that the ballot should give voters a chance to vote separately on projects, such as roads, public transit and green space, that would be funded by the tax. As matters stand, voters are to cast one yes-or-no vote on the entire $1.3 billion plan.

As both sides delved into the details of getting the issue resolved by the S.C. Supreme Court, McMaster wrote County Council Chairman Barrett Lawrimore saying that the state would not be a "proper party" to such a lawsuit.

That prompted Lawrimore to send a terse reply Thursday saying he was extremely disappointed in McMaster's apparent reversal of his promise to help.

"At the 11th hour, your office has generated public confusion regarding the question. To refuse to participate as a party in the 'judicial resolution,' which your office advocates, does an incredible disservice to every citizen in this county," Lawrimore's letter said.

McMaster later said his office is willing to be a defendant in the suit, although that could complicate matters because the Supreme Court could question whether his office has legal standing to participate in such a lawsuit.

"We're prepared to use maximum energy to get it heard by the court as quickly as possible," McMaster said.

He also said he was confident the court would rule before Nov. 2, but if it had a problem with the language, it's unclear whether the wording on the ballot could be changed in time or whether the election would be pushed back.

"Those questions are beyond me," he said.

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