COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Republican Gov. Mark Sanford has appointed three new trustees to the First Steps board, the start of many changes expected for the state's early childhood development program.

Sanford has named Rep. Kenny Bingham, R-Cayce, to replace Rep. James Smith, D-Columbia, agency spokeswoman Felice Lampert said Thursday.

Smith, who proposed the program pushed by former Democratic Gov. Jim Hodges, said he was surprised to learn of his removal from the board.

"We have been trying ... to get the politics out of the debate," the House Minority Leader said.

Smith said he also was concerned Sanford had not done more to support the program designed to give children a head start on school.

First Steps is set to lose more than half of its $37-million-a-year funding to state budget cuts, Smith said.

Sanford also named Lewis Smoak, chairman of the Greenville County First Steps board. He replaces Barnwell attorney Terry Richardson, and Linda O'Quinn will replace Dr. Robert Saul of the Greenwood Genetic Center, Lampert said.

Sanford's spokesman Will Folks said he expects the governor to replace other board members selected by Hodges.

"He favors structural reform to make the agency more efficient and accountable and will select board members who conform to that philosophy," Folks said.

The search continues to replace Marie-Louise Ramsdale, the program's first and only executive director since its inception in 1999, said Susan DeVenny, chairwoman of the search committee.

DeVenny, a Hodges appointee, said Sanford wants to finish his board appointments before he names a new director.

"He is being very thoughtful about who he has representing his views on the board," she said.