(Columbia-AP) March 28, 2003 - Governor Mark Sanford says he has a better understanding for how most state employees feel now that training for the Air Force Reserves has put him on the bottom of the pecking order.

Sanford says the training so far has focused on leadership and has not been very physically demanding. Sanford allowed reporters to listen to his nightly conference call with senior staff Thursday night.

The governor is at Maxwell Air Force Base near Montgomery, Alabama, where he is going through two-week reserves training to complete his Reserve Commissioned Officer training as a first lieutenant.

Sanford said a team is in place to conduct everyday responsibilities and to continue to support his legislative agendas. Sanford insisted that if a serious disaster or emergency took place, he would only be a few hours away if anything required his immediate presence.

Chief of staff Fred Carter, 52, is coordinating staff activities and making sure the state can keep in touch with the governor at all times.

South Carolina first lady Jenny Sanford is doing her best to juggle parenthood with ceremonial duties while Governor Sanford trains. The first lady is attending events in her husband's place and participating in morning meetings with the governor's staff in addition to her usual duties.

posted 8:44am by Chris Rees