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Inauguration bustle rivals Statehouse's
By Jim Davenport and Seanna Adcox
The Associated Press
COLUMBIA - The two acres under the roof of the state Farmers' Market Watermelon Shed usually is a place filled with melons, peaches or flowers.
But on Tuesday, volunteers were turning it into a cozy spot where thousands can celebrate Gov. Mark Sanford's second inaugural with a barbecue tonight.
Meanwhile, Tuesday, S.C. legislators greeted one another with smiles, hugs and back slaps inside the Statehouse as the 2007 General Assembly session opened, and hundreds of people hoping to bend lawmakers' ears crowded the lobby separating the House and Senate chambers.
Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer gaveled the Senate to order just after noon, followed moments later by House Speaker Bobby Harrell of Charleston. The first day of 117th General Assembly session didn't last long though - the House adjourned within the hour and the Senate wrapped up 90 minutes later.
The January-to-June session promises to play out much like the last four years when a Republican-controlled legislature publicly butted heads with GOP Gov. Mark Sanford.
Legislators say Sanford needs to talk more with them and pick a few things they can work together on, instead of trying to rally the public against lawmakers.
Harrell said the first week is about coming together and celebrating the inauguration - the real work starts next week. His predecessor, U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Wilkins, as well as other guests, made appearances, too.
On Tuesday night, the GOP had its inaugural gala, a place for the bow tie and ball gown crowd to mingle and celebrate with eight Republicans who won election or re-election to statewide offices.
Scott Malyerck, the state GOP executive director, said about 700 people were expected at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
Gov. Sanford, known for open collars and khakis, "is much more comfortable in his barbecue wear than he is in his formal" clothes, Jenny Sanford said as she spent time Tuesday talking with volunteers who undertook the massive makeover that converted the shed into inaugural bash central.
"It's beautiful," she said.
This year's inaugural is using the same format as Sanford's first inaugural in 2003, said Maryanne Belser, a co-chairwoman of the barbecue event. Two shifts of 20 workers each have been busy for a week getting the space ready.
At the Statehouse, it was tough to find elbow room in the lobby.
Members of the motorcyclists' rights group ABATE (A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments) and the S.C. Equity Coalition, which campaigned against a referendum banning same-sex marriage that easily passed in November, crowded the second floor.
"It's like the first day of school, and we want to meet all the children," said ABATE organizer "Fast Fred" Ruddock of Ladson.
While the House finished its organizational work last month - including electing Harrell, R-Charleston, to his first full, two-year term - the Senate started the day electing officers. They re-elected Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, as well as the current clerk, sergeant at arms and reading clerk.
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