Gilliard triumphs over Middleton

Charleston City Councilman Wendell Gilliard cruised past Iraq war veteran Clay Middleton by a 5-4 margin today to win the Democratic runoff for state House District 111.

Gilliard won about 56 percent of the vote, according to the unofficial results, and that virtually guarantees he will succeed retiring Rep. Floyd Breeland. No Republican has filed for the seat.

In his first bid for public office, Middleton, 26, was endorsed by some big names, including his boss, U.S. Rep. and Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, and also by Breeland.

But that wasn't enough to counter a councilman who has held office since 1996. Gilliard, 53, noted his accomplishments included shutting down an adult bookstore next to the Maryville neighborhood in West Ashley and starting Project Cool Breeze, which distributes air conditioners to low-income families.

Both candidates vowed to help improve public education and assist senior citizens. One thing they disagreed about was whether to debate. Middleton criticized Gilliard for ducking a debate invite from the NAACP, but Gilliard said voters would rather he go door to door.

Read more in tomorrow's editions of The Post and Courier.