New speaker for the House

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Harrell began serving in the House in 1993, and he has risen steadily through the ranks since that time. He chaired the Freshman Caucus, then was House majority leader and since 1999 he has chaired the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.

Harrell, 49, has used his business acumen in helping write the state budget, and in that role in he has guided South Carolina through some of its toughest budget times in modern days. He certainly would have had more fun as Ways and Means chairman if the state budget had been growing at about a 10 percent rate. Instead, he helped the state pare down, oversaw a budget process that didn't rely on tax increases and finally got to help write a budget this year that benefited from a 9 percent increase in state revenues.

Described by many of his colleagues as pragmatic and thoughtful, Harrell put together the winning numbers to take the speaker's job that Wilkins is leaving to become ambassador to Canada. By the time of Thursday's vote, Harrell had a clear majority — so much so that the other candidates dropped out of the speaker's race.

In winning, Harrell told The Associated Press, "This is about everyone in the House working together — both political parties, all races — to improve South Carolina." That's a winning attitude, and one that will help move this state forward as it continues to try to build its economy, improve its schools, attract knowledge-based industries, increase per capita wealth and provide essential state services.

Wilkins, in a prepared statement, said of the man who will replace him, "Bobby Harrell is a real leader and I know he will work every single day to bring honor and dignity to this House. It is so hard to say goodbye but knowing the House is in such capable hands makes it a whole lot easier."

David Wilkins was an outstanding speaker, and he has left big shoes to fill. Bobby Harrell has the confidence of his colleagues and of Wilkins, and that in itself is a testament to Harrell's leadership abilities. We wish him well in his new job — one in which he will have an even greater role in shaping the destiny of this state.