Posted on Thu, Jan. 11, 2007

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Hundreds of visitors drop by the mansion

By JOHN O’CONNOR

johnoconnor@thestate.com

Gov. Mark Sanford and his family threw open the Governor’s Mansion doors on inauguration day, and residents lined up to say congratulations or thanks, or even to try to change the governor’s mind.

They came wearing suits, jeans, military uniforms and more. Some had met Sanford before, many had not.

“We thought, why not come up and make a day of it,” said Chris Ross of North Charleston, who stopped by the mansion with his wife, Paula. For Paula Ross, it was her first inauguration and her first trip to the mansion.

Inside, a string quartet played while guests nibbled on snacks. Guides in each of the downstairs rooms pointed out the home’s design, historical and architectural details.

Outside, the four Sanford boys and friends played football on the lawn.

Some guests brought gifts. Pamela Altman, from the Department of Juvenile Justice’s Coastal Evaluation Center in Ridgeville, gave the governor a bound book in the shape of South Carolina in which each student at the center had listed something they like about the state.

Other gifts included the books “God’s Words of Life for Leaders” and “The Tao of Warren Buffett.”

Many visitors took a gift with them, posing for photos with Mark and Jenny Sanford.

Though no official count was kept, organizers said several hundred people stopped by Wednesday. Sanford said the open house was an important reminder that South Carolina had an open government that belongs to the people.

Steven Angel of Gaffney brought his wife, Holly, and his daughter Allie to show their support.

“We think he’s doing an outstanding job,” Angel said. “He’s the kind of guy that gets things done.”

Reach O’Connor at (803) 771-8358.