Mr. Eckstrom was one of three constitutional officers who spoke about a proposal to give state voters an opportunity to change their status. Not surprisingly, each supported the process that put them in office.

Restructuring proposals from Gov. Mark Sanford and Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell would have the governor appoint the education superintendent, the agriculture commissioner, the comptroller general, the secretary of state and the adjutant general. Unlike the governor, Sen. McConnell wouldn't make the treasurer appointive.

So far, only Inez Tenenbaum, superintendent of education, has endorsed the governor's proposal, at least for the office she holds. Her position recognizes that the governor should have the leadership role for education, and the authority to appoint a superintendent to carry out his policies. The same argument could be made for most of the state's constitutional offices.

Agriculture Commissioner Charles Sharpe said the restructuring plan would take power out of the hands of the voters and give it to a single person, the governor. But the voters elect the governor in a race that is of far greater interest and visibility than the election of the state's chief agricultural officer or, for that matter, his constitutional counterparts.

Agriculture remains one of the state's economic mainstays, and the governor should be able to direct farm policy, as he provides guidance on economic development through the Commerce Department, which is part of his Cabinet.

Maj. Gen. Stan Spears, adjutant general, said that appointing Guard leaders in other states has led to "turmoil and abuse." Gen. Spears also questioned whether the issue should go to a referendum when 1,000 Guardsmen from South Carolina are overseas. Presumably, though, those Guardsmen would be given an opportunity to vote by absentee ballot.

A group of 60 retired National Guard officers were more persuasive. Col. Harvey Shackleford, who spoke for the group, said: "Too much precious time, time that should be devoted to training and equipping our young soldiers and airmen, is wasted raising money and running a political campaign. The adjutant general is obligated to many of his subordinates for their financial support." South Carolina is the only state in the nation that elects its adjutant general.

The restructuring plan before the Legislature attempts to provide clear lines of authority, and accountability, for state government. It offers badly needed efficiencies and economies.

The proposed change of status for constitutional officers is an essential part of a comprehensive restructuring plan. It is a question for the voters to answer, if given the opportunity. The opposition of those who now hold those offices should not persuade legislators to keep these constitutional amendments off the ballot.