COLUMBIA--Few politicians can polarize South Carolinians the way Rep. John Graham Altman does. Few lawmakers introduce so many bills. And few see all of them shot down.

Last week, Altman drew a familiar spotlight with his blunt statements about battered women during a television report on a domestic violence bill.

The Charleston Republican's remarks were about what his constituents and fellow lawmakers have come to expect. It's not the first time his words have caused a firestorm, and it probably won't be the last.

But this time is different, lawmakers of both parties say.

His domestic violence comments may have broken the last straw of support from many of those at home and in the Legislature. "I think now is different," said Rep. James Smith, a Columbia Democrat who took office the same year as Altman. "Based on the conversations I've had, I think he's worn thin on the patience of Republicans and Democrats."

Democrats are calling on Republican leaders to censure Altman or remove him from the Judiciary Committee.

House Speaker David Wilkins condemned Altman's comments but said he won't punish him directly.For his part, Altman, 70, says he stands by his statements. He said he still doesn't understand why women go back to abusive relationships, even after being told the reasons by victims groups.

"My advice to women who are battered is to call police and get out of there," said Altman, a lawyer who has represented abused women. "If Democrats disagree about that, then they should say that battered women ought to stay where they are and get battered again."

LEGISLATIVE RECORD

Altman's strong rhetoric infuses the legislation he proposes. But his bills usually go nowhere.

In the last two-year legislative term, Altman was the primary sponsor of 53 bills, the second highest number of any House member, an analysis of legislative records shows. They ranged from crackdowns on prostitution to curtailing school board powers.

Not one passed the Legislature. Among the top 10 most prolific House members, Altman is the only one to strike out. In past terms, he has done a little better. Six of Altman's bills during his eight years in office have been approved. He has proposed 162.

The bills signed into law included one to reduce property taxes paid by war heroes and their spouses and another that terminated child support if a separated couple continued to live together.

In addition, he signed on as a co-sponsor to 150 bills last session. About 5 percent of those survived House, Senate and governor. Overall, 15 percent of bills introduced in the House become law.

Altman said the large numbers are a product of his legislative philosophy. "Sometimes constituents want you to introduce legislation," he said. "And I think it is a courtesy you pay to your constituents (even if they don't go anywhere)."

"I am proud I respond to constituents when they want," he said. "I didn't go up to Columbia to be a potted plant."

His stunts have worked against him, said Neal Thigpen, a political expert at Francis Marion University. "He probably becomes a little bit radioactive," Thigpen said. "It probably hurts his ability a little bit, even though it hasn't seemed to hurt him in Charleston."

Rep. Ronald Townsend sees many of Altman's bills as the chairman of the education committee. The Anderson Republican and other lawmakers said Altman's name on a list of bill sponsors doesn't directly affect how a bill is handled. "It has nothing to do with John Graham," he said. "It has to do with the subject matter."

House Minority Leader Harry Ott of St. Matthews said people do "tend to pay a little less attention because he takes such radical opinions."

"Maybe (his record) says he sponsors legislation that's not in tune with mainstream South Carolina," he added. "I am not sure if (the domestic violence flap) will affect him. He hasn't been effective so far, so it will probably be business as usual."

But Altman's influence extends beyond the legislation he proposes, said Rep. Wallace Scarborough, R-Charleston.

"I don't know if you can say (bill passage) is a yardstick of effectiveness," said Scarborough, who shares a desk in the House with Altman. "Because he affects the outcome of bills in so many ways."

Altman holds multiple leadership positions, including senior Republican whip, chairman of the Charleston House delegation and chairman of the general laws subcommittee. "Part of our job is to stop bad bills from passing," he said. "I have been effective; I am effective; and I will be effective."

BLOOD IN THE WATER?

Altman's legislative record and his propensity to talk his way into trouble have potential challengers in his district on the alert.

Thigpen said his recent gaffe provides an opportunity. "He views his role as an outspoken guardian of truth," he said. "But that ranks higher than his role to pay close attention to the needs of his district."

State Democratic Party officials said they've heard from at least three people in the last week who want to run against him, including one who wants to move here from Columbia just for that purpose.

His opponent in the last election, Charlie Smith, is hoping to take political advantage of the situation.

"I don't know what it's going to take to tip the scale," said Smith, an openly gay Democrat who lost to Altman in 2004 with 47 percent of the vote. "I think everyone's had it."

Altman acknowledged he needs to improve from his showing in November. "I got careless last election and let this militant, liberal homosexual get too close in votes," he said.

Majority Leader Jim Merrill said Altman always has polarized voters, and he'll defend his seat well in 2006. "I think in a year and a half, John will be running strong," said the Daniel Island Republican. "When you have guys like those in the Lowcountry delegation people are used to the occasional outrageous statement."