They got elected. That was the first hurdle. Now what?

A dozen newly elected state representatives visited the State House this week for a lawmaking boot camp from House Speaker David Wilkins, R-Greenville, and House committee chairmen.

Wilkins welcomed the freshman class by lowering some expectations and raising others.

“If any of you feel overwhelmed, you should. If any of you don’t, you probably just haven’t caught on yet,” Wilkins told the group, who will be sworn in at the State House at the start of the House’s Nov. 30 organizational session.

“Don’t think in your first week you’ve got to pass the largest bill in the history of the state,” said Wilkins, a 24-year House veteran.

The newcomers learned about House committees, what they do and how members are selected. They talked about bill writing, the budget process and dealing with the media.

Rep. Nathan Ballentine, R-Richland, who defeated House Majority Leader Rick Quinn in the June primary, said he can’t wait for Jan. 11, the first day of the session, but he’s a bit daunted.

“It’s starting to sink in exactly the amount it takes to get work done here,” he said.

Wilkins told the freshmen they should bring at least two things to their jobs in the January-through-June part-time Legislature:

“Your integrity and your vote. When you tell somebody something, make sure you do it. Your word is everything up here.”

Some of the learning came outside the classroom.

For instance, groups all over the state routinely buy meals for legislators. Tuesday was no different, with Wilkins picking up the tab for lunch at USC’s posh McCutchen House and dinner at the Palmetto Club.

On Wednesday, the freshman caucus elected leaders. Rep. Nikki Haley, R-Lexington, will serve as chairwoman.

“I don’t believe freshmen have to sit back and wait two years to make something happen,” she said.

The Senate will hold orientation Dec. 7 for six new members.

Staff writer Jennifer Talhelm and The Associated Press contributed to this report.