There is a high level of frustration in the S.C. business community with Republican Gov. Mark Sanford.

And its leaders aren't too sure what to do about it.

Should they recruit a primary opponent to challenge Sanford in 2006?

Should they seek a major come-to-Jesus meeting with the governor? Should they court state Sen. Tommy Moore, a pro-business, conservative Democrat running for governor from Republican-leaning Aiken County?

The business leaders are at a loss.

Some are urging Bob Royall to challenge Sanford in the GOP primary. The retired bank executive and state commerce secretary has hinted he might give it a shot if the conditions are right.

But others fret he may be too old at age 70. Can he stand up under the rigors of a campaign that is certain to take a nasty turn?

When Sanford, 45, goes up on television, there is none better. He's attractive, telegenic and Kennedyesque.

How would Royall stack up against the more youthful-looking candidate?

Maturity, experience and prestige would weigh heavily in Royall's favor. He knows a lot of people, having been head of a major bank and commerce secretary under Gov. David Beasley, where he broke all sorts of economic development records. Royall also has international connections, having been U.S. ambassador to Tanzania for two years under the current President Bush.

There's an awful lot to be said for graying around the temples.

Business executives don't feel like they have access to Sanford.

And when they do get to see him, they're not sure what they got when they leave. What the governor says and what he does are often two different things.

The business community often supports a governor financially, primarily because he is the incumbent. Rarely do business leaders criticize a sitting governor -- especially a Republican. But with Sanford, the criticism is widespread and often biting.

Does that mean business leaders would support a challenger?

If a legitimate candidate who could win were to emerge, the business community would support that person. Business leaders like winners.

Sanford often has clashed with the business community. His meddling in Clemson University's automotive research campus, known as ICAR, sparked a revolt among Upstate businessmen. Sanford later backed off.

Then there was a huge blowup on the S.C. Council on Competitiveness. Sanford was co-chairman along with S.C. Blue Cross Blue Shield president Ed Sellers. Sanford proposed moving the council to the Commerce Department. But none of the council members supported it. The governor was demoted and granted the title of honorary member with no clout.

Business leaders also are deeply concerned about job growth, or rather the lack of it. There's a feeling the state is not competitive any more in the Southeast, that it no longer is a player.

Business leaders and the governor must find common ground or the state will get nowhere. Some have suggested the business leaders need to learn how to get along with Sanford because he likely is going to be governor for another term.

Voters love Sanford. When he kicks the legislature's rear, they cheer.

Unless the business community can come up with a worthy challenger, Sanford will be re-elected.

The question is, will he be successful? The state can't stand to have eight years of no successes.

Lee

Bandy