CHARLESTON - A state Transportation Department worker who poked fun at Gov. Mark Sanford and state lawmakers in satirical songs on a compact disc has been demoted.

Michael Covington, who was one of four deputy directors of the department, now earns $5,300 less in his new position as director of administration, overseeing public relations and customer service.

Covington, who now makes $93,645, has apologized and said he has learned his lesson.

"When you're in a position of authority, you've got to be very careful about any jokes, sarcasm or comments you might make in the context of your position, not in the context they were intended," Covington said.

The songs included "You're Not Too Bright Yourself," about state Rep. John Graham Altman, R-Charleston, and "The Spelling Song" about Gov. Mark Sanford.

The song about Sanford included lines such as, "O" is for out-of-state contributions and "S" is for selling Santee Cooper.

Covington, a professional musician, produced the CDs at his home. They were recently distributed at a party, attended mainly by lobbyists, to celebrate the end of the legislative session.

While some lawmakers praised department Executive Director Elizabeth Mabry for demoting Covington, others said it chills free speech.

"I'm a great believer in free speech, and those folks were just letting off a little steam at a private event," Altman said. "I guess we have to get the party police out all over the state to make sure no state employees are talking about their bosses or making fun of state officials."

Covington's rights were violated because the songs were played at a private party and no state time or money were involved, Altman said.

Covington wouldn't comment on the free speech question.

"I want to make it clear that I am not mad at the DOT," he said. "I am thankful I have a job."

Sen. W. Greg Ryberg, R-Aiken, said he was satisfied with Mabry's action and said Covington is lucky.

"I think that he crossed the line and if he was in the private sector he would have lost his job," he said.

The governor's office had no comment Wednesday.

Sanford said several weeks ago the Transportation Department "has shown a lot of talent for doing a lot of things that have nothing to do with building roads."