COLUMBIA, S.C. - Some Republican leaders are criticizing an e-mail sent out by party chairman Katon Dawson in support of Gov. Mark Sanford's plan to lower the income tax.

House Majority Leader Rick Quinn, R-Richland, who has also proposed a tax plan, said the party should not have endorsed one proposal over another.

"We're all wanting to find the best way to have tax reform," Quinn said. "I would ask Republicans to have a debate on which tax plans have merit and see if we can get a consensus before we have the chairman taking the position of one over another."

Dawson's e-mail went out to Republicans and reporters around the state. Quinn has asked Dawson and party executive director Luke Byars to allow him to solicit support for his plan using the same e-mail list. Byars would not say whether Quinn's request for equal time would be honored.

Dawson said Saturday he sees nothing wrong with a Republican chairman endorsing a Republican governor.

"The Republican party is in favor of reducing the tax burden on our citizens in South Carolina," Dawson said. "Mark Sanford campaigned on that, and we look forward to a plan that will move South Carolina forward."

State GOP executive committee member Laura Best of Horry County said Dawson should have consulted the executive committee before advocating Sanford's plan.

"I'm a little bit upset with Mr. Dawson, and I don't think he should have done it," Best said. "He should be following the parade and not trying to lead it."

Executive committee member Tom McLean of Lexington said he doesn't have a problem with what Dawson did.

"He represents the Republican Party, and I don't see any problem with him backing the governor on reducing taxes," McLean said.

A spokesman for Sanford said the governor was thankful for Dawson's e-mail.

"We are obviously pleased that the Republican Party is helping advance the governor's jobs and economic-growth proposals," spokesman Will Folks said.

Sanford's plan would lower the state income tax while increasing the tax on a pack of cigarettes and applying the state sales tax to lottery tickets.

Quinn's plan, also championed by Rep. Vincent Sheheen, D-Kershaw, would raise the state sales tax, lower the income tax, and eliminate most property taxes that go to fund education.

Information from: The State