When David Wilkins was elected House speaker in late 1994, the
story was summed up in this headline:
“First Republican since Reconstruction Elected Speaker of S.C.
House.”
It was historic.
Now, after nearly 11 years in that position, the Greenville
Republican is stepping down to become U.S. ambassador to Canada.
Three Republicans are vying for his job — Reps. Jim Harrison of
Columbia, Bobby Harrell of Charleston and Doug Smith of
Spartanburg.
Not to belittle their effort, but they need to know from the
start that a new Republican in charge won’t be a big deal any more.
Whoever is elected is going to be just another speaker.
The victor also will have some mighty big shoes to fill.
Wilkins is enormously popular with Republicans and Democrats. He
could get almost anything he wants in the waning days of the
Legislature.
A lot of people are sad he’s leaving. He has been a calming
influence at the State House. He has kept the crazies from
Greenville and Charleston in check, reached across the aisle to
Democrats, displayed superb legislative skills, and single-handedly
propped up the governor.
He grew in the speakership as the GOP majority grew.
No one can recall when the House last had a contested race for
speaker. Decades, at least.
Most believe the contest has narrowed down to Harrell and
Harrison — two distinctly different men.
Harrell is known for his ability to work behind the scenes to get
things done. He also is known to have a temper.
Harrison, on the other hand, is well liked, extremely popular
with his colleagues.
So, it’s Mr. Nice Guy vs. Mr. Can Do.
Regardless of who wins, the victor will have problems with
right-wing Republicans who are likely to try to test the new speaker
early on.
Some turbulence is expected in the transition period as the new
speaker attempts to put his own signature on the House.
This is a much different situation than, say, when Wilkins
assumed the speaker’s job.
With this being the first contested speaker’s contest in some
time, this race is bound to leave some residual bruised feelings and
cause some political backlash.
Wilkins got along well with Democrats, primarily because he
served in the minority for some time and knew what it was like to be
in the minority. Hence, he was less partisan than one might
expect.
Wilkins has never been regarded as an ultra-conservative. He is
seen as being sufficiently conservative. It has freed him to deal
with a spectrum of people in the Republican Party.
Rep. Doug Jennings, D-Marlboro, has found Wilkins to be fair and
accessible.
“He had the cohesive effect of bringing folks together,” he
says.
Jennings — who has thrown his hat in the ring for speaker but
knows a Democrat can’t win — isn’t optimistic about the future under
new leadership.
“I’m afraid we’re going to see more turmoil and chaos, not the
kind of smooth transition we’d like,” he says.
Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg, says Wilkins will be
missed.
“His leadership has helped hold House Republicans together,” she
says. “He is the only saving grace the Republicans have had. Without
Wilkins, they would totally self-destruct and eat their own.”
Clemson University political science professor Dave Woodard, a
Republican consultant, says Wilkins is “the only adult who knows
what to do.”
Rep. Kenny Bingham, R-Lexington, agrees.
“He commands
respect.”
