The state Senate is in “gridlock” after an Upstate senator blocked almost all legislation from advancing through the backed-up body Tuesday.

Sen. Glenn Reese, D-Spartanburg, upset over a change in Senate rules made in January, has objected to every bill on the Senate’s agenda.

With only five legislative days remaining before the June 2 adjournment, his action means more than 30 bills — including tax credits for businesses, stronger penalties for stalkers, more charter schools and the elimination of Sunday “blue laws” — are unlikely to pass this year.

Reese’s objections will not block high-profile legislation, such as potential compromises on tougher seat belt enforcement and implementation of free-pour liquor. They also will not prevent debate on Gov. Mark Sanford’s 163 vetoes of the $5.8 billion state budget for 2005-06.

Instead, the Krispy Kreme store owner has succeeded in blocking bills that otherwise would have zoomed through the Senate unopposed — bills with universal appeal.

Reese would not fully explain which rules changes he objects to. He said he could not get Republicans, who control the Senate with a 26-20 majority, to listen to his complaints in January.

Now that summer is nearly upon his colleagues, Reese thinks they might listen.

“Let ‘em soak a little bit. I’ve got to apply pressure where I can.”

Under Senate rules, Reese’s objections can be overruled after six legislative days. With debate over budget vetoes likely to take at least two days, though, time is quickly running out.

But Republican leaders say they will not be cowed by one senator’s obstructionism.

“His efforts will be counterproductive,” said Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston. “To object to even good legislation and impose gridlock — he won’t win friends that way.”

But Sen. Tommy Moore, D-Aiken, said what Reese is doing is every senator’s prerogative.

Reese is taking advantage of a rule that allows a senator to be present whenever specific legislation is debated. That moves the bill to the end of the Senate’s calendar, a 50-page document that senators rarely finish. Burying a bill at the end of that calendar is tantamount to killing it.

“You just don’t use the rules like that,” said Majority Leader Hugh Leatherman, R-Florence.

In the House, representatives were likewise realizing that legislation they care about is in danger of dying in the Senate. This, after senators made much ballyhooed changes to their rules that are designed to prevent this kind of gridlock.

“Sounds like the Senate’s same old record,” said Rep. Annette Young, R-Dorchester. “Nothing changes over there. I’m disappointed.”

Sanford, who made Senate rules changes one of his top priorities for the year, is still hopeful a meltdown can be averted.

“The notion of one person holding the entire legislative process hostage runs counter to the democratic ideals our country was founded on,” Sanford spokesman Will Folks said.

If Reese’s ploy works, Folks said, that’s “a sure sign” the Senate didn’t go far enough in changing its rules.

Reach Gould Sheinin at (803) 771-8658 or asheinin@thestate.com