Gov. Mark Sanford appointed Deputy Solicitor Robby Robbins to replace Bailey as chief prosecutor for the circuit, which covers Dorchester, Orangeburg and Calhoun counties. His appointment runs through December, but Robbins is already planning to run for election to the office next fall.

Robbins, a 41-year-old Summerville resident, served as Bailey's second in command and has prosecuted hundreds of cases since leaving private practice in 1997 to join the solicitor's office.

"I am extremely honored that the governor would have the confidence in me to appoint me," Robbins said. "I am humbled to be following behind a man who I think of as the finest solicitor this circuit has ever had."

Bailey announced Monday that he was stepping down from the office he has held for the past 11 years. He said he became eligible for full retirement benefits, and it didn't make economic sense for him to stay. He spoke Friday from the Summerville solicitor's office, where he is acting as a special prosecutor while finishing some business.

Bailey's decision to step aside gives Robbins a chance to run for the post as an incumbent and boost his name recognition over the course of the year.

Bailey said he supported Robbins being named to the post. He said he didn't time the retirement to improve Robbins' political standing in the November solicitor election, but he agreed it would.

"I think he's the most qualified person," Bailey said. "He benefits politically, but the office benefits by having the most qualified person assume it."

Will Folks, a Sanford spokesman, said Robbins was chosen for the post because of his experience and the fact that he had Bailey's personal recommendation for the job.

"The governor is always going to pick the person he believes is the most qualified candidate for the job," he said.

Robbins, a married father of two, graduated from law school at the University of South Carolina in 1987. That same year, Robbins joined with attorney James Bell in a general law practice in St. George, handling civil and criminal cases. He remained partners with Bell for a decade before deciding to become a prosecutor.

"I like being on the prosecuting side of crime," he said. "I just didn't feel comfortable on the other side."

For four years, Robbins served as the deputy solicitor responsible for managing Dorchester County's caseload. In 2001, he became deputy solicitor for the entire circuit. Among his highlights was prosecuting a 2000 case against two men who held a Florida couple at gunpoint at a St. George motel in June 1999, robbing them and raping the woman. One man was sentenced to life in prison without parole; the other received four 30-year sentences.

Robbins also prosecuted a 2002 case in which a Summerville man was sentenced to life in prison without parole after being convicted of murder for arranging the March 2000 execution of a New York City man authorities described as a rival drug dealer.

Robbins said he doesn't anticipate making any major changes at the solicitor's office. The office has 40 employees, including about a dozen lawyers.

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