It's a concept that's been discussed for years, said bill sponsor Sen. Dick Elliott, D-Myrtle Beach. People have said that when the governor wins an election, he "immediately begins campaigning for his second election," Elliott said.

Six years gives "the governor enough time to get his program and policies implemented," he said.

The committee said legislators should have longer terms. Under the bill, a House term would last four years instead of two and a senator would serve for six years instead of four. The longer terms would begin in 2008.

The legislation heads to the Senate Judiciary Committee but faces long odds on a Senate calendar where dozens of bills are likely to die because they won't meet a May 1 deadline to reach the House.

The bill requires a two-thirds vote to change the state constitution.

The idea of longer House terms "never has received much support over here," said House Speaker David Wilkins, R-Greenville.

Shorter terms, from the governor to the House, make elected officials more accountable, Wilkins said.

Two four-year terms "offer an appropriate time frame to get things done and prove your worth to the voters," Sanford spokesman Will Folks said. "I don't see any real interest in this from the governor."

Click here to return to story:
http://www.charleston.net/stories/041504/sta_15term.shtml