Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- County officials across South Carolina are in revolt about picking up costs tied to the GOP presidential primary.

They said Monday their taxpayers are being asked to pick up the tab for what amounts to a nonbinding, partisan straw poll or beauty contest.

The state Election Commission has said it and the state Republican Party will cover most of the costs. On Friday, counties were asked to document how much extra cash they needed.

The South Carolina Association of Counties also said there's no authority for counties or the state to run the primary because that law has expired.

Spartanburg County has threatened a lawsuit and its council chairman has said no primary will be held unless costs are covered.

The issues could end up before the state's Supreme Court.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)