The formula seems to be working. After serving just four years in the S.C. House of Representatives, Merrill has emerged as the front-runner for the newly vacated position of House majority leader.

Former Majority Leader Rick Quinn, R-Columbia, resigned Monday. The 15-year legislative veteran lost during June's Republican primary to political newcomer Nathan Ballentine. Quinn, who could have served until the November election, when his term expired, has said he wanted to give the new leader enough time to prepare for the upcoming session.

The Republican caucus is scheduled to vote on the matter Oct. 5. Winning the position requires only a simple majority. Three representatives are contending for the spot: Merrill; Rex Rice, R-Easley; and Bill Sandifer, R-Seneca.

Sandifer, the assistant majority leader, had bypass surgery over the summer, and many representatives are speculating that he'll drop out. Sandifer did not immediately return calls Tuesday.

If that is the case, the race will be between Rice and Merrill, two men who have crossed Speaker of the House David Wilkins, R-Greenville, on more than one occasion.

"There is nothing wrong with that," said state Rep. John Graham Altman III, R-Charleston. "Just because we wear the same jersey does not mean we always agree with the play called in the huddle."

This past session, Rice, a quiet, deliberate legislator, worked behind the scenes to gather support for a budget amendment to increase cigarette taxes by 30 cents a pack. Wilkins openly opposed any such increase.

The proposal, according to Rice, would have generated $102 million to be split several ways, including $13 million for inheritance tax relief, $30 million for the Department of Health and Human Services and $40 million to help address the state's $350 million deficit.

"There was a lot of pressure for me to pull the amendment," Rice said at the time. "I respect the speaker, but I had to fight for what I believed in." He lost that fight.

Merrill also has been known to buck the speaker. He has fought frequently for environmental laws that some would say run counter to the big business agenda.

This past session, Merrill sponsored a bill that would have increased the attorney general's ability to investigate corporations suspected of polluting the environment. The bill eventually died in committee, a victim of the state's powerful business lobby.

"Sometimes you just have to go your own way and fight for what you think is right," Merrill said.

Some would say majority leader is a position that requires a company man, not a lone wolf. The majority leader builds coalitions, brokers deals and often acts as the public relations arm of the ruling party. Stubbornness takes a back seat to compromise.

Rice admits that, should he win, he'd have to change his style.

"I'd have to be a little more cautious," he said. "But in the past, I would come to the leadership with ideas and they would be tossed away without consideration. So I felt forced to go my own way. I think a lot of our members understand that. As majority leader, I would work to give everyone's ideas careful consideration."

Another issue is the General Assembly's relationship with Gov. Mark Sanford. The two branches of government were at war last session, surprising given that both are GOP-led. Legislators say this year the two will have to cooperate more.

"The voters expect that, and deserve that, from us," Merrill said.

It is no secret that Sandifer, a veteran House member, long has wanted the majority leader position. If he stays in the race, however, he will face the challenge of overcoming his open disapproval of Sanford. Several times last session, Sandifer took the governor to task for what he perceived as disrespect for the General Assembly.

Sanford spokesman Will Folks said picking the majority leader is up to House members and the governor will work with whoever is elected. Wilkins, who has made a point of staying out of this race, said much the same thing.

Out of respect for the candidates, no representative would go on the record about who's leading. Off the record, however, many agreed that Merrill enjoyed a comfortable lead.

Rice said, on the surface, that estimation probably is accurate.

"But Jim is facing two guys from the Upstate," Rice said. "We're splitting the vote up here. One of us will have to get out of the race. The one that remains will have a very close race with Jim."

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