Conducted by the governor's pollster, Basswood Research, during October, the poll asked several questions regarding the popularity of the governor and his agenda. It also asked questions of 500 registered voters regarding the popularity of leading GOP figures in the House and Senate.

While the results implied widespread support for the governor and his ideas for state reform, the loaded wording of some questions caused many in the House and Senate to take offense at what they perceived as a shot over their bow.

"The types of questions on the poll left a bad taste in a lot of people's mouths," said Rep. Richard Quinn Jr., R-Columbia. "I think it made it appear as though the governor would be running against the General Assembly this year."

Among the questions that raised the ire of GOP leadership:

-- In deciding who you would like to see elected to the General Assembly next year, would you prefer someone who will help Governor Mark Sanford bring about changes to state government in Columbia, or would you prefer someone who would oppose Governor Mark Sanford's agenda? 73 percent preferred to see someone who helped Sanford, 15 percent, someone who opposed him and 12 percent don't know.

-- Do you agree or disagree with this statement: Governor Mark Sanford is trying to change the way things are done in Columbia, but longtime politicians are standing in his way. No answer was available because The Post and Courier received only a portion of the poll.

According to Quinn, the poll also contained questions on the popularity of certain leaders, such as Speaker of the House David Wilkins, R-Greenville, Senate Pro-Tem Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, and Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer.

The governor did not release the poll officially. It seemed to work its way through the Legislature.

"A lot of people were bothered by it," Wilkins said. "It certainly can be read as a strategy on the governor's part. I hope that's not the case."

Rep. Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, said he found the poll unsettling.

"For the first time in a long time, we have a Republican Governor, a Republican House and a Republican Senate, and it's distressing to see a poll conducted that was clearly adversarial in wording."

Sanford said the hubbub over the poll is unwarranted.

"I didn't particularly pay attention to the questions," he said. "But to somehow suggest that a pollster asking the wrong question as somehow a challenge to the General Assembly is being hypersensitive. You have to judge a man by his actions, and I think my actions have been consistent all along. I want to work with the General Assembly."

Sanford says no state funds were used to pay for the poll. The money came out of his campaign funds.

The governor added that he is a direct person and that a backdoor political move such as the one suggested is not in his nature.

Regardless of its intent, the poll and its circulation seem to have created tension among lawmakers on the eve of what promises to be a difficult legislative session. Adding to the pressure next year is an election.

"Unfortunately it gives everyone the impression starting out that he does not necessarily want to work with us," Quinn said. "Personally, I don't believe that is the case. I just think the poll was handled poorly."

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