COLUMBIA - Rep. Billy Witherspoon's stature in the state House became part of the debate last week on his bill that prevents county governments from regulating animal farms.

Speaker after speaker among opponents of the bill declared their respect and affection for Witherspoon, the bill's sponsor, while differing with him.

Witherspoon, R-Conway, chairs the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. That position makes him part of the House and Republican Party leadership, but he is also one of the most well-liked members.

Few legislators could have brought the bill so far with so much opposition, said Rep. Doug Jennings, D-Bennettsville, one of the leading opponents.

"The credibility of the chairman certainly is a factor here," Jennings said.

"I love Billy, but this is a bad bill," he said.

The bill went from a three-vote defeat late Wednesday to a turnaround Thursday, so it will be reconsidered this week.

Rep. Jay Lucas, R-Hartsville, another leading opponent, repeatedly expressed his respect and affection for Witherspoon but said the bill takes away the right of counties to control large hog farms that affect the quality of life.

"Billy Witherspoon is not always right," no matter how much he is loved, said Rep. Walt McLeod, D-Little Mountain. "I'm glad I don't have his benighted outlook about the future of this state."

Rep. Becky Richardson, R-Fort Mill, described it as "the love-in we're having with Billy Witherspoon." She said she loves him too, but "I just disagree."

"It's OK to love Billy, but you don't have to agree with him," Richardson said. "You didn't come here to represent him."

Rep. Vida Miller, D-Pawleys Island, said Witherspoon is one of her favorite people, but she had to differ with him on this issue.

The debate will resume Tuesday.

Georgetown commended

Georgetown County Council was recognized for winning a "Counties Care for Kids Award" from the National Association of Counties.

Miller and Rep. Bubber Snow, D-Hemingway, sponsored a resolution commending the council for its work with the state First Steps program for school readiness.

The county libraries and leisure services were the main agencies involved in programs to help First Steps, the resolution said.

This week

Horry County Council Chairman Chad Prosser is to have a confirmation hearing for his job as director of state Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

The Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee will hold the hearing Wednesday.

A bill allowing counties to regulate the use of fireworks will be taken up by the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday.

Counties, especially those on the coast, have been trying for years to get the same power to regulate fireworks that cities have. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Alan Clemmons, R-Myrtle Beach.

Two years ago, a similar bill was killed by the House Judiciary Committee. The fireworks sales industry has threatened to sue if the law passes.

Bills ending the minibottle requirement could be debated on the Senate floor next week. Bills calling for a referendum and specifying how the change would be carried out if voters approve were put on the agenda Thursday.

They were released after Senate Finance Committee Chairman Hugh Leatherman, R-Florence, received word from a special subcommittee that they were satisfied with the math on how a 5 percent cocktail tax would replace the existing minibottle tax.