South Carolina's black leaders are starting to sit up and take notice of Republican Gov. Mark Sanford.

As some say, he's putting his money where his mouth is.

During the gubernatorial campaign last year, Sanford promised to reach out to blacks. He met with African-American ministers, attended their churches, and huddled with community leaders.

Since his election, Sanford has done several things to grab the attention of black residents.

He stood by his selection of the Rev. Joe Darby of Charleston to offer the invocation at the inaugural, ignoring pleas from GOP legislators to drop Darby from the program because he opposes flying the Confederate flag on the State House grounds.

Since assuming office, Sanford has appointed African-Americans to key jobs.

And last weekend, he completely surprised civil rights leaders when he formally apologized for the state troopers who shot three protesters 35 years ago in what became known as the Orangeburg Massacre.

"Clearly, this has made the black community take a closer look at him," said Clemson University political scientist Bruce Ransom.

State Sen. Darrell Jackson, D-Richland, said the apology was long overdue. "It's ironic that it took a Republican governor to do that," he added.

Previous governors have refused to apologize. Former Democratic Gov. Jim Hodges came close two years ago when he said the people of the state "deeply regret" the incident.

Sanford apologized because it was the "right thing to do."

"I hope the black community gives him credit for it; it was not a political decision," Jackson said.

Though it was a symbolic gesture, it was a step none other has been willing to take.

"It shows he is not afraid to take bold steps where others have feared to venture," Ransom said.

The state GOP has talked a good game about reaching out to African-Americans. But it has nothing to show for it.

Sanford, therefore, must take the lead.

State Rep. John Graham Altman, R-Charleston, said he wouldn't have apologized for the Orangeburg incident. But he added, "Mark made it, and it's done with."

Vince Ellison, past director of the state GOP minority outreach effort, had nothing but contempt for Sanford's Republican critics.

"There's no room anymore for these type of people in politics. Let them form their own little party to spew their hatred," he said. "The Republican Party should make it so uncomfortable for these people to hide in the party."

Meanwhile, Sanford will have to rely on Democrats for praise.

"I'm impressed with Sanford's humble and caring demeanor," said state Rep. Leon Howard, D-Richland. "He has impressed me as a guy who is willing to communicate with folks. He has an open ear and appears to be a compassionate guy as well as very capable."

The Rev. Eddie Guess, pastor of the Good News Gospel Fellowship in Columbia, said Sanford's apology went a long way toward healing wounds. "He took a great risk, but a good risk," he said.

There are skeptics, however.

State Sen. John Matthews, D-Orangeburg, called the Orangeburg apology "Good PR," but it lacked substance.

Maybe so. But mere use of the word "apology" in terms of communications has a powerful ring to it.

Sanford doesn't fit the typical Republican mold. He drives politicians of all stripes nuts.

But right now, he's taking steps that put him in good stead with many African-Americans, which is more than can be said about previous governors.