By STEPHANIE TRACY
Anderson Independent-Mail
August 13, 2005

Recent reports of creeping discontent in the business community with Republican Gov. Mark Sanford’s economic development efforts are being dismissed by some Anderson business leaders who said such suggestions have more basis in politics than reality.

News reports this week revealed a movement by a small group of Upstate business leaders to recruit a Republican challenger for next year’s gubernatorial election. Retired banker Robert Royall, who did not rule out a possible run, was proposed as a potential candidate.

Bank of Anderson President David King said he was not aware of any swell of animosity toward the governor.

"Obviously there’s somebody out there who thinks there is (a need for new leadership in Columbia)," he said.

Mayor Richard Shirley worked with Mr. Royall years ago and admitted he could be a viable candidate.

"If Bob Royall were to run, I think it would siphon off a lot of the big hitters that would have supported Sanford by default," Mr. Shirley said. "But from my vantage point, (the reported discontent with the governor) is rising up the thermometer, but it may be too late."

Anderson County Republican Party Chairman Rick Adkins agreed.

"The governor has a pretty good approval rating right now, and he’s got something like $3.5 million in the bank," he said. "It’s going to be hard to beat an incumbent who’s running without any real negatives like a flag problem or a video poker game controversy."

Stephanie Tracy can be reached at (800) 859-6397, Ext. 342 or by e-mail at tracysk@IndependentMail.com.

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