Merrill's name is one of four being tossed around these days as a possible successor to state Rep. Rick Quinn, R-Columbia. The others are: Tracy Edge, R-Myrtle Beach, Bill Sandifer, R-Seneca, and Kenny Bingham, R-Cayce.

Quinn, a veteran lawmaker, lost his seat during the primary to political neophyte Nathan Ballentine. He is expected to continue serving as majority leader until November, when House Republicans will replace him.

House Speaker David Wilkins, R-Greenville, said Sandifer and Edge have expressed interest in the position. He said he has also heard Merrill's name mentioned.

House Ways and Means Chairman Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, would not comment on Quinn's possible successors. But Harrell, who once served as majority leader, described the job as tough. "I learned everything I needed to be majority leader in the third grade," he said. "I learned how to add and subtract in double digits and how to play in the sandbox."

Merrill, who has served in the House for four years, is known as a moderate Republican. He is popular and respected among fellow legislators. However, the majority leader serves as the right hand of the speaker, whipping up votes and making sure the party rank and file get in line. Merrill does not always see eye to eye with Wilkins.

Another issue next year is likely to be how well the House works with the governor's office.

Sandifer, one of the frontrunners for the position, has been very open regarding his displeasure with Gov. Mark Sanford.

Reached by phone Monday, Merrill said he is considering a run for the position. "It's tempting," he said. "But I won't run against my friends, Tracy and Kenny. I'll have to wait and see how serious they are about it."

According to Merrill, the next few days could go a long way in determining who will make a run for majority leader. The Republican House caucus, which consists of all House Republicans and is the group that will select the next Majority Leader, meets Thursday.

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