The S.C. Senate has left the director-designate of the S.C. Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department, Chad Prosser, twisting in the wind, which means Prosser has left Horry County Council twisting in the wind. The Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Commission has delayed work on Prosser's confirmation at least until the first week in April.

Prosser has been working full time at PRT for more than a month. But he vows that he won't resign the chairmanship until the Senate confirms his nomination. County election officials can begin work toward a special election to replace him only when he is no longer council chairman.

As it is, it will be midsummer before the council can seat his replacement. The law requires a filing period for candidates so that all interested in the seat get fair notice that it is open. And a primary likely will intervene between resignation and the general election.

Prosser sees holding onto the chairmanship as a matter of stability for County Council. But some wonder whether he sees the chair as his ace in the hole in case the Senate rejects him.

If so, that's his problem alone. By resigning now as chairman, Prosser can ensure that County Council and its constituents won't have to wait for new leadership until fall. He has left the council twisting long enough.