South Carolina lawmakers had this to say about Gov. Mark Sanford’s State of the State address Wednesday:

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“We need to put education as our top priority. His budget and his speech tonight do not put it on the front burner.”

Senate Democratic leader John Land, Clarendon

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“The (governor’s) approach to legislation this year was very constructive as compared to last year. It’ll result in greater support in the Legislature, particularly with restructuring and economic development.”

Sen. Jim Ritchie, Republican whip, Spartanburg

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“The speech had great intentions, but I was a little disappointed that it was not encouraging for state employees, and he was not more committed to saving their jobs and benefits.”

Rep. Leon Howard, D-Richland

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“What is exciting about him is he’s not about gathering power. He’s about efficiencies and finding new ways to do things. ... The longer I know him, the more I talk to him, the higher my thoughts have been about his ability to lead.”

Sen. Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, president pro tem of the Senate

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“I appreciate his reaching out to everyone and his belief in the power of ideas, but his speech was very short on specifics. We’re faced with tremendous job losses, record unemployment and challenges in health care and education, and here we’ve been told to go on a bike ride?”

Rep. Doug Jennings, D-Marlboro

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“It was typical Mark. He’s a wonk, and it was highly specific, and that’s his style. I thought it was cool. It’s kind of refreshing to hear a governor talk about actual initiatives on paper.”

Rep. Jim Merrill, R-Berkeley

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“I don’t mean to laugh in your face, but brother! He was out there with that.”

Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg, on Sanford’s proposed bike ride

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“It was a very upbeat speech. The governor took the initiative tonight. He believes in what he’s proposing, and there’s gotta be political risk in that.”

Senate Republican leader Hugh Leatherman, Florence, on Sanford’s plan to restructure government, particularly making the education superintendent and other offices appointed

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“In 1993, we restructured state government. That was supposed to be a cure-all for state government and its problems. Almost 12 years later, we see it has not. It has simply realigned agencies under the control of the legislative branch.”

Rep. Jerry Govan, D-Orangeburg, chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus

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“The governor continues to emphasize one of the most important things, and that’s reducing the size of state government.”

Republican Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, on restructuring

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“I don’t think you give away all the offices to one person in this state. Balance is a necessary part of things.”

Assistant House Democratic leader, John Scott, Richland, on Sanford’s desire to expand his Cabinet and make some offices appointed

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“No surprises. It was very forthright: Improve the economy, job expansion. That’s what the House has been about for years.”

House Speaker David Wilkins, R-Greenville

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