The governor's open-door policy apparently doesn't extend to his elevator.

For about 45 minutes Wednesday, Gov. Mark Sanford's 4-year-old son Blake was stuck in an elevator in the Governor's Mansion.

The boy was not hurt.

"His mom called him a champ," Sanford spokesman Will Folks said.

Folks and Blake's mom, first lady Jenny Sanford, praised the boy's bravery, especially since he was without his "Bankie-bear," part security blanket, part teddy bear.

The governor was at his "Open Door After 4" meeting and did not learn of the excitement until after Blake's rescue.

"He was glad his boy was safe," Folks said. "His dad told him to start taking the front stairs."

The elevator stopped between the first and second floors around 6:15 p.m. and dropped a few feet before stopping again, Folks said.

Jenny Sanford stayed in touch with Blake through a camera and a speaker in the elevator.

"The first lady said he laid down on the floor and took it easy," Folks said.

Fire officials used a key to open the elevator doors, Columbia Fire Department Battalion Chief Herman Boney said.

The 16,400-square-foot mansion reopened in June 2001 after undergoing $6 million in renovations. Repair crews will return today to work on the elevator.

Thanks to his experience, Blake could join Mom in Dad's administration.

"We're definitely looking at an appointment for him," Folks said. "We'll put him in charge of licensing the elevators."

Reach Gonzales at (803) 771-8405 or jgonzales@thestate.com.