Posted on Thu, Jan. 11, 2007

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Bauer, other officers embrace opportunities

By RODDIE A. BURRIS

rburris@thestate.com

Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, in taking the oath of office for a second term Wednesday, said great opportunities lie ahead for South Carolina.

In presiding over the Senate, Bauer said, he is eager to work across party lines to help advance the state.

His words, and those of other constitutional officers sworn in during inauguration ceremonies at the State House, echoed the words of Gov. Mark Sanford, who sounded a call for change in state government.

“I’m eternally optimistic,” Bauer said after being sworn in by his third-grade teacher, Harriet Ward of Lake Murray Elementary School.

Bauer then administered oaths of office to the other statewide elected officials:

• Adjutant General Stan Spears

• Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers

• Attorney General Henry McMaster

• Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom

• Education Superintendent Jim Rex

• Secretary of State Mark Hammond

• State Treasurer Thomas Ravenel

“I’ve been waiting for this day a long time,” Ravenel said, flanked by his mother, Louise Ravenel of Charleston. “I’m anxious to get in, meet the people, learn their functions and get up to speed (on how the office operates).”

Ravenel also embraced Sanford’s message, saying streamlining his office, providing another conservative voice on the Budget and Control Board and assisting in reducing “the tax bite of Columbia” were his immediate goals.

Eckstrom, who applauded Sanford’s “conciliatory tone,” said he was confident there would be more “give and take” between the governor and Legislature in days ahead.

Rex, the only Democrat in a statewide office, championed public education in his bid.

“I’m going to try not to let (the people) down,” he said.

Rex, in a razor-thin victory over Republican challenger Karen Floyd, fought off a well-funded, fierce challenge from advocates seeking private school tuition tax credits and related changes.

“I’m going to need all the help I can get,” he said.

Reach Burris at (803) 771-8398.