Gov. Mark Sanford is reconsidering his decision to close his Cabinet meetings to the public.

Sanford discussed the issue with a group of media representatives last week.

"I was a lot more optimistic when I left than when I went in," said Bill Rogers, executive director of the S.C. Press Association.

The press association last month approved a resolution urging Sanford to open his Cabinet meetings. The association says the state Freedom of Information Act requires it.

Joining Rogers at last week's meeting were Ken Elmore, news director of WSPA-TV and chairman of the S.C. Broadcaster's Association; John Pittman, executive editor of The Greenville News; Mark Lett, executive editor of The State newspaper; Barbara Williams, editor of The Post & Courier in Charleston; Holly Fisher, Freedom of Information Act chairwoman for the Society of Professional Journalists; and John Shurr, South Carolina bureau chief for The Associated Press.

Rogers said the group had a good discussion. Sanford spokesman Chris Drummond declined to discuss the meeting.

"He was going to think about it," Rogers said. "We gave him some things to think about."

Since closing his first Cabinet meeting to the public last month, Sanford has been criticized in the media and by the public in letters to the editor.

Some criticism focused on statements Sanford made during last year's gubernatorial campaign, in which he said open government was essential.

Editorial writers worried in print that Sanford's decision would embolden county and local governments to ban the public from their own meetings.

Also last week, three state senators introduced legislation that would eliminate any question as to whether the governor's Cabinet is subject to the Freedom of Information Act.

Democrats Glenn Reese of Spartanburg, Robert Ford of Charleston and Maggie Glover of Florence have introduced a bill that says the Cabinet is a public body.

The current law defines a public body as many things, including an advisory group or any other entity supported in whole or in part by public funds.