“We had a good debate. Some of you listened.”

— U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., speaking on behalf of a bill that requires public disclosure of earmarks, pet projects and targeted tax breaks that lawmakers insert in legislation

A Senate committee will take a look Tuesday at a measure to curb gang violence as well as a controversial bill that would allow authorities to gather DNA samples from anyone arrested.

Also Tuesday, a House subcommittee will delve into work on legislation to create a statewide virtual school program.

FUN WITH NUMBERS

Gov. Mark Sanford is fond of using charts and graphs to demonstrate his points.

The Buzz decided to run a similar statistical breakdown on the gov’s State of the State speech, so here it is, by the numbers:

1 — State lawmakers mentioned (Sen. Tommy Moore)

4 — Elected officials from other states mentioned (all Democratic governors)

1 — Combined use of the phrases “soil conditions” and “at the end of the day”

4 — References to Thomas Friedman (all in saying he was not going to mention Friedman)

2 — U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham stories told

4 — Previous Sanford speeches referenced

5 — Jokes Sanford told

3 — Laughs those jokes received

15 — Foreign countries mentioned

LEGISLATOR GOES ON YOUTUBE

The Buzz admires freshman state Rep. Keith Kelly, R-Spartanburg, for his inventive attempt to reach out to constituents.

Kelly has posted a series of videotaped messages — introducing himself, talking about life as a lawmaker — to his campaign Web site, kellyforhouse.com. The site uses Internet video site YouTube.com to host the messages.

Early reaction was enthusiastic, but The Buzz found the entertainment value somewhere between Lonelygirl15’s navel-gazing and video of a park full of hyperactive Boston terriers. It’s a long way from the Buzz-recommended treadmill theatrics of OK Go’s “Here It Goes Again.”

We’re sure future videos will focus less on missing coffee pots and the placement of Kelly’s computer and more on issues such as blocking the construction of a landfill in Spartanburg County.

Kelly said he plans to post new messages once a week; each video has a comments section for feedback.

WILSON CLUTTERS BUZZ’S E-MAILBOX

While U.S. Reps. John Spratt and Jim Clyburn and other Democrats were preoccupied with their “first 100 hours,” U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., was busy with his own agenda: the “first 100 press releases.”

In the span of two weeks, Wilson’s press secretary filed at least 22 releases on everything from TV appearances and staff changes to national security and prescription drugs.

The Buzz likens Wilson’s e-mail blitz to the faxing frenzy that defined state Attorney General Charlie Condon’s days in office.

WHO ELSE WANTS STRAIGHT TALK?

S.C. House Speaker Bobby Harrell and Secretary of State Mark Hammond recently joined other S.C. Republican leaders in encouraging U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., to run for president in 2008.

Harrell called McCain a “personal hero” because he remained a prisoner of war in Vietnam when offered a chance to go home.

Hammond said McCain’s fiscal responsibility and common-sense conservatism resonates with GOP voters.

The Buzz hears McCain’s folks now are working to gain the support of Blanche Weathers, who looks fierce on the inaugural red carpet.

SPEAKING OF THE WEATHERSES ...

S.C. ETV will air the Carolina Stories documentary, “Down the Ballot,” at 9 p.m. Thursday. This behind-the-scenes production is a look at the 2006 campaign for state agriculture commissioner.

For nine months — an appropriate gestation period —ETV producer Betsy Newman followed incumbent Republican Hugh Weathers, a dairy farmer, and political newcomer Emile DeFelice, a Democratic pig farmer.

Viewers will get an up-close look at the foibles and fortitude of the candidates. An unexpected tour through DeFelice’s refrigerator allows him to proudly show off his “local chicken,” while the Weatherses discuss their harried travel schedules.

• Go to thestate.com for a searchable list of state employee salaries for workers earning more than $50,000 a year.