Sanford outlined five of his priorities Tuesday for the coming session. He'll have a fight on his hands on at least two topics: education and changes to the way the Senate does business. His other priorities -- income tax relief, tort reform and government restructuring -- may be easier than changing the Senate rules.
Restructuring has been a priority for the governor since he took office. He follows in the footsteps of Republican Gov. Carroll Campbell, who initiated several reforms in the early 1990s.
Restructuring would strengthen the captain of state, but it could result in a significant change in the line of authority and in considerable savings in the operation of government.
A voucher system to allow parents to send their children to a school of their choice will result in much debate, as will income tax relief and tort reform.
But reforming Senate rules may create a real wrestling match between the governor and senators.
S.C. lawmakers always have been an independent lot. Last year they turned on the state's Republican torchbearer, denying a major element of his programs. But when it comes to power and their particular rules of engagement, they give no quarter to those who seek change.
A few senators like to use the time-honored filibuster, which has been popular in South Carolina, as well as the U.S. Senate. "Filibuster" is the term used for an extended debate in the Senate that has the effect of preventing a vote. The term comes from the early 19th century Spanish and Portuguese pirates, "filibusteros," who held ships hostage for ransom. The late J. Strom Thurmond still holds the record for the longest individual speech in the U.S. Senate, speaking for 24 hours and 18 minutes against the Civil Rights Act of 1957.
Unfortunately, in South Carolina it takes a supermajority to override a filibuster. While a handful of state senators talk each year until they are blue in the face, the remainder of the Senate and other South Carolinians should be red in the face -- angry at attempts to block important legislation and progress. This is a stubborn group. Sanford will deserve accolades if he can effectchange in this chamber.