COLUMBIA - When the House tackles the legislative session's showcase debate this week, no lawmaker will have as much on the line as Speaker Bobby Harrell.

The West Ashley Republican made residential tax relief the top priority for his first session as speaker months ago. Now he's trying to make good on his pledge by using a velvet glove and an iron fist to steer - or some say force - the property tax package through the General Assembly.

In the process Harrell is setting a confident, yet somewhat divisive, tone for his still-young tenure. Politically he has everything to gain, but also everything to lose in a debate that will affect the pocketbooks of all state residents.

"It would be like the first football game you play as the starting quarterback," said House Republican Leader Jim Merrill of Daniel Island. "I honestly believe that Bobby is showing the kind of leader he is going to be throughout his tenure as speaker."

By leading the charge, Harrell finds himself in a precarious position as he vigorously defends the property tax bill he first introduced.

The essence of the bill would eliminate 85 percent of the property taxes on homes and increase the state sales tax by 2 cents on the dollar.

Harrell has denounced the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the GOP's closest ally last session, for opposing the House property tax plan.

He's angered Democrats, the group that propelled him to victory during last year's speaker's race, by aggressively pushing the issue. And he's snubbed leading senators after they said the House bill had little chance of passing the Senate.

It's not unprecedented for the speaker to play such a dominant, hands-on role, but it's not common either. Some lawmakers expect the debate Wednesday to be as much about Harrell's leadership as property taxes.

Harrell makes no apologies for his actions. "What you do around here has political risk," he said, "but you ought to always be doing what you think is important and only be doing it for the right reasons, and that's always what I try to do."

Learning lessons

To understand Harrell's interest in this debate, you have to go back a decade.

Like now, residential property taxes were the hot topic in 1995. Harrell was a young House member with a powerful post on the budget-writing committee when lawmakers included a $195 million homestead tax break in the state spending plan.

But it really wasn't what Harrell wanted. He favored a proposal to remove most school operating taxes from homes, but couldn't stir up support among colleagues.

In 2005, as reassessment sent home tax rates skyrocketing again, lawmakers realized their Band-Aid approach didn't cure the problem. And this time around Harrell is applying the lessons he learned in 1995 and using his new stature to make good on his goal.

Six months ago Harrell formed a special committee to address the issue, and lawmakers have been gathering information at public hearings across the state.

But much of the work was done quietly as the speaker held private meetings to discuss strategy with House and Senate leadership and the governor's office.

A few months later, as the committee began writing a bill, Harrell again worked in the background, drafting the actual legislation the committee would work from.

As the debate continued he has maintained a close watch on the proceedings, but has taken a subtle enough role as to not outwardly irritate committee members.

Making friends, enemies

Harrell's role in the debate draws mixed opinions from fellow lawmakers.

Last week he drew particular ire from Democrats and some Republicans for using the House Rules Committee, controlled by Summerville Republican Converse Chellis, to set the bills for special consideration this week. The minority party felt the procedural move took away much of their leverage in the debate.

House Minority Leader Harry Ott said he supported Harrell for speaker because Harrell promised to be fair to Democrats. But Harrell isn't living up to his vow, Ott said. "I don't know why he's out there so far on this," said Ott, of St. Matthews. "It's not like he's the Ways and Means chairman anymore, he's the speaker now."

Rep. Ken Kennedy, D-Greeleyville, also chastised Harrell.

"It sends a message that they are trying to ram it down our throats and they are not going to give us a chance to discuss the bill," he said. "This is a huge change in law in South Carolina, and we should not just ram it through."

Most Republicans stand behind Harrell, but not all are pleased with the course of debate.

"I am extremely proud about how he has stepped up to the plate in the face of an absolute onslaught by special interests and made clear that we are going to take on property taxes," said Merrill, the House GOP leader.

Still, Easley Republican Rex Rice expressed disappointment in last week's parliamentary theatrics. "I'm concerned about the way we pushed for consideration of the bills on special order," he said. "I don't think it's good politics."

Harrell dismisses talk about his role in this debate. Instead, he's focused on this week's vote.

"This vote is going to be hard to get. It's close right now."

Contact John Frank at jfrank@postandcourier.com or (803) 799-9051.

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