Gov. Mark Sanford already had the salutation down. Now, he's got the vest.

If Sanford ever tires of being governor, he can always get a job as a greeter a Wal-Mart, his seemingly favorite store and his model for state government.

Sanford's staff is trying to make his signature greeting, "Hey, how you?" an unofficial state welcome. Now his Cabinet is giving him a new uniform.

At his Cabinet meeting in March, Sanford brought a batch of signs from Wal-Mart, the discount giant. He said the state should emulate the company's model for doing business, from its low prices and convenience to its customer-friendly attitude.

Corrections Director Jon Ozmint took the cue. At last week's Cabinet meeting, Ozmint presented his new boss with a blue Wal-Mart vest complete with a personalized name tag that read "Gov. Sanford."

Sanford proudly wore the vest and name tag for about half the meeting.

Next, The Buzz is sure the lobbyists for Target and Kmart will demand equal time. We can see it now:

Blue light specials at the DMV.

THERE'S NOT ENOUGH MATERIAL ...

State Rep. John Graham Altman, R-Charleston, frequently in The Buzz's cross hairs, was at it again last week in the House.

His latest target was one of his favorites: liberals.

In arguing against primary enforcement of the seat beat law, Altman laid the blame for the bill at the feet of liberals, who, he said, favor big government.

"If you vote for this," the wise one intoned, "it doesn't mean you're a bad person. Liberals are cute. If y'all start dying out, we'll put you on a reservation."

But at least Altman is an equal opportunity cheap-shot artist. He took a cheap shot at himself.

State Rep. Wallace Scarborough, R-Charleston, asked Altman whether the state shouldn't ban drinking and smoking, both of which also are health hazards. But Scarborough also mentioned a health problem that hits Altman square in the gut -- obesity.

"I was hoping nobody would mention obesity," Altman said, patting his own prodigious belly.

Perhaps Altman is against seat belts because he doesn't need one -- as he pointed out, he's got his own personal air bag right there under his shirt.