Date Published: December 5, 2006   

Harrell elected speaker of the House

By JIM DAVENPORT
Associated Press Writer

State Rep. Bobby Harrell was elected speaker of the House on Tuesday, beginning his first full two-year term as head of the lower chamber.

"We have much work to do," said Harrell, R-Charleston, who won the post in 2005 after state Rep. David Wilkins resigned to become U.S. Ambassador to Canada.

Harrell said the state needs to improve education and make reforms at the state Transportation Department.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to get to work," Harrell said.

Rep. Doug Smith, R-Spartanburg, was elected House speaker pro tem.

The 124 House members also will elect a clerk, chaplain as well as receive committee assignments.

The organizational session is expected to wrap up Wednesday.