Elwaldo R. James v. Rickie Harrison, Warden of Kershaw Correctional Institution Charles M. Condon, Attorney General of the State of South Carolina

Affirmed by published opinion. Judge MOTZ wrote the opinion, in which Judge NIEMEYER and Judge KING joined.

DIANA GRIBBON MOTZ, Circuit Judge:

Elwaldo R. James appeals from the order of the district court denying his petition for a writ of habeas corpus filed pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254 (2000). We granted a certificate of appealability with respect to James’ claim that he was denied effective assistance of counsel when his attorneys failed to appear during voir dire and jury selection, obtaining substitute counsel instead. Because we conclude that the state court’s rejection of this claim was…