COLUMBIA - Facing an important legislative session amid an uneasy relationship with the General Assembly, Gov. Mark Sanford is bringing back a key ally to his administration.

Beaufort attorney Tom Davis, a longtime Sanford friend, was co-chief of staff and a senior policy adviser until he left the governor's office in July 2004 to spend more time with his family.

Sanford announced Monday that Davis will return as a deputy chief of staff and a legislative liaison beginning in January.

Davis' primary responsibility will be shepherding Sanford's agenda through the legislative process. The 44-year-old is well- regarded by state lawmakers and seen as a significant addition to the administration going into an election-year legislative session.

"I am anxious to get back up there. ... I missed being a part of the process," Davis said. "I know (Sanford's) agenda inside and out ... and I enjoy taking a conceptual idea I believe in and making it into law."

Sanford's accomplishments - or lack thereof, Democrats say - will take center stage in 2006 as he squares off against Republican and Democratic challengers.

Davis said he's a "true believer" in what the governor is trying to achieve, and now must convince an undecided Legislature.

When Davis left last year, state lawmakers were upset about Sanford bringing baby pigs to the Statehouse to protest pork barrel spending. And when he returns in January, he'll find that the relationship between the General Assembly and the governor's office remains contentious.

"I think there's always an institutional tension," Davis said. "I think that it exists regardless of who's in the (governor's) office."

Davis acknowledged there are a handful of things Sanford needs to accomplish next session but that an election year doesn't add any pressure.

Leading lawmakers said they worked well with Davis in the past, and they looked forward to him coming back.

"A lot of people were sad to see him leave," said House Republican leader Jim Merrill of Daniel Island. "He will bring better communication between the governor's office and the Legislature."

While Davis comes on board, Sanford is losing his senior legislative adviser, Carl Blackstone, who is joining a Columbia lobbying firm next week. The issue of staff turnover has been a problem area for Sanford in the past, but the governor's office said Monday's changes were unrelated.

In announcing Davis' return, Sanford spoke highly of his friend. "Tom has been a trusted adviser and friend to me for over twenty years and has always been a central part of our efforts to bring change to South Carolina," he said in a statement.

Sanford and Davis have known each other since their days at Furman University. Davis served as a co-campaign manager on Sanford's 2002 gubernatorial campaign, and after he left, the governor appointed him to the South Carolina Ports Authority board.

Davis said he'd resign his board position next month. While he legally could keep the job, Davis said he wants to avoid any potential conflict of interest.

Contact John Frank at (803) 799-9051 or jbfrank@postandcourier.com.