Lexington County’s long-festering political division appears to be going public. Behind the scenes, a power struggle has been going on between a council majority of 5 and a minority of 4. The issues involve millions of tax dollars in county contracts, spending and property tax breaks. 
The reform minority questions what they call the county’s use of no-bid contracts to favored vendors.
County Administrator Joe Mergo appears to be one of the reformers’ targets.
On one side are Council Chair Debbie Summers and four council members, two of them up for relection – former Chair Todd Cullum of Cayce and Vice Chair Larry Brigham of Leesville.
On the other are 4 reformers including two up for reelection, Ned Tolar of West Columbia and Phil Yarborough of Irmo-Chapin.
Some of this came to light this week after The State newspaper published an article questioning the legality of a $5,000 campaign donation funneled through the SC Republican Party.
Party officials say such donations are legal and part of the money can be given to a  candidate the donor favors.
The State pointed out that this allows donations to exceed the $1,000 threshold from an individual donor.
(More on this, Page A3)
The donor in question is Lou Kennedy, a Lexington resident and CEO of Nephron Pharmaceuticals.
Mrs. Kennedy told the Chronicle that Tolar “is apparently upset that I supported Glen Conwell a few weeks ago (following ALL rules of donating in SC, the Republican Party and the County), because Conwell is impeccably honest.”
Tolar said he only questions council practices in looking out for taxpayers.
Responses to the Chronicle from both, Page A3.