State Sen. Robert Ford, one of the Lowcountry’s most established and colorful political figures, stepped down today as the Senate Ethics Committee was finishing up its review into his campaign spending. The Charleston Democrat began his political career as an outspoken black leader who butted heads with Mayor Joe Riley and others in Charleston’s political establishment but evolved into a leader who touted his close ties with influential Republican Senate colleagues. His resignation came as the Senate Ethics Committee began discussing the final four of eight allegations today. Its findings are expected to be posted online soon, Sen. John Courson...