(Columbia) April 6, 2006 - A Canadian television station and newspaper are reporting House Speaker David Wilkins (R-Greenville) is expected to be the next US ambassador to Canada. They cite government sources who say the US has given Canada informal notice Wilkins is their man.

Speaker Wilkins is a friend of President Bush, was chairman of his campaigns in South Carolina and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for those campaigns.

It's the talk of the State House on Wednesday that Wilkins might be leaving. Rep. John Scott (D) of Richland, refers to the position as a hot rumor, "It's probably one of the hottest issues next to the Pope that's resonated in the halls. It's probably hotter than that."

Speaker Wilkins is not commenting, "Every time things go well here, it seems like people start talking about me leaving. As far as I'm concerned all of this is speculation. I'm the speaker of the South Carolina House and I'm not going to comment any further."

But WIS has learned Wilkins met Wednesday with four House members who have said publicly they want his job, Doug Smith of Spartanburg, Bobby Harrell of Columbia, Jim Harrison of Columbia, and Harry Cato of Greenville. Republican Joan Brady said the four are lobbying the other legislators aggressively, "If there is nothing to the rumor, certainly those vying for the speakership aren't listening."

News 10 was told Wilkins said to them he hasn't been offered the ambassadorship, but he is optimistic about it. And he said to them, "Do what you need to do."

House Majority Leader Jim Merrill has called a special GOP caucus meeting for Thursday morning, and he has asked the four legislators at Wednesday's meeting to stay away. 

In 2001, Wilkins was considered for a judgeship and as ambassador to Chile. He withdrew his name both times.

Reported by Heather Brown with AP

Posted 11:11am by BrettWitt