A few Republicans aim to add 2 more SC Supreme Court justices.
If done, it could cost as much as $500,000 or more a year,
That's surprising since Republicans tend to favor smaller government and less spending.
A leading GOP proponent says it could give Lexington County a Supreme Court justice.
The county does not have one now.
Is this needed with covid-19 relief, teachers' pay and more pressing needs? critics ask.
Lynn Teague of the League of Women Voters   asked, “Why expand the Supreme Court? They don’t seem to be over-worked."
Legislative watchdog John Crangle told The State newspaper the Republican majority might want to put conservatives on the court to counter “liberal” influence.
This is similar to what Congressional Democrats want to do to the US Supreme Court to tip decisions to a liberal majority.
If passed by  the House and Senate, the resolution would amend the state Constitution.
Voters would have to approve.
Associate justices are paid $202,057 with 2 law clerks.
The salary costs would likely be $500,000 or more, depending on health insurance, retirement benefit and other costs.
Another cost could be making room in the Supreme Court building for 2 new justices and 4 clerks.
SC House Speaker Jay Lucas told The State that, “Many areas have never seen or do not currently see representation on the court, including places like Beaufort, Charleston, York and Lexington counties.
"The addition of 2 more justices will ensure a more diverse court in terms of regional representation."
Chief Justice Don Beatty is from Spartanburg, and associate justices John Kittredge and John Cannon are from Greenville . Associate Justice Kaye Hearn is from Conway and George “Buck” James is from Sumter. 
The Supreme Court is the same size it was 50 years ago, when SC's population was 2.5 million, not 5.5 million as it is today.