(Published July 24‚ 2003)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Gov. Mark Sanford took suggestions, and faced some criticism, from South Carolinians during a live call-in television show Thursday night.

Sanford, who appeared on the program as part of his open government initiative, fielded questions on tourism, the state's motorcycle helmet law and tax-free weekends, as well as the state budget, education and Medicaid.

One caller suggested lottery revenue be used as a permanent source of funding for the state's Medicaid program. Sanford agreed other programs could be funded with lottery money, saying he wasn't set on putting all lottery revenue into college scholarships.

"Everything in politics constantly gets tinkered with," said the Republican, who took office in January.

The governor warned that unless the economy improves, there will be midyear budget cuts for state agencies. And although he worries about the impact in these lean economic times, Sanford said the state will hold another tax-free weekend over Labor Day to promote spending in the state.

Sanford also had to defend his trip to Bermuda in May - during a critical time in the legislative session - after a caller asked him to rate his leadership. Lawmakers had criticized the governor for taking the trip while the General Assembly struggled to wrap up the state's budget.

Sanford said he saw an economic opportunity by attending the yacht race that began in Charleston and had committed to the event months before.

"I guess my strength is my weakness," he said. "If I'm going to tell someone I'm going to do something, generally it takes a lot to get me off the mark on doing that."

The governor also answered a question on helmet laws. South Carolina law does not require riders 21 or older to wear helmets.

Sanford said he supports personal freedom when it comes to helmet laws for motorcyclists.

"In an open society, one ought to have the freedom to do things that are inherently stupid," he said. Still, he said he's concerned about taxpayers paying for resulting injuries.

Sanford has held several open door office meetings for the public, and had his first neighborhood meeting in Florence on Thursday.

"The governor has always been about openness," Sanford spokesman Will Folks said. "He thinks direct interaction with people is the best way to understand what's really going on."