Elected to the House in 1992, Harrell won the speaker’s job last June. He succeeded David Wilkins of Greenville, who resigned to become U.S. ambassador to Canada.

Sometime later this month, Harrell will complete his first session in the high-profile position.

“It’s much harder than I thought it would be, but it’s also more enjoyable than I thought it would be,” he said last week.

The thing Harrell hates most is the time it takes away from his wife, son and daughter.

“They’re very understanding,” he said. “They are unbelievable.”

Harrell said his family is quick to protect what they consider their time, and the weekends are theirs. “I’m hesitant to answer questions or take phone calls on the weekends.”

Assessing this session, Harrell said he is most pleased with the changes made in the state’s property tax system. “I told everyone at the beginning this would be the issue of the year.”

Many Democrats praise Harrell for his fairness and leadership.

The House has been “a more collegial, friendly and enjoyable place than in recent years,” said Rep. Walt McLeod, D-Newberry. “I attribute most of that to Speaker Harrell’s friendly and sensitive personality.

“It’s a pleasant working environment, and many of us appreciate that.”

Harrell said, “One of the nicest things to happen this year is to see the level of friction drop dramatically.

“Everyone is participating in the debate. There is very little animosity between members. ... Everyone has a seat at the table this year.”

The minority party Democrats might not prevail, Harrell said, “But they will tell you they’ve been participants in the process and have had their voices heard.”

However, Harrell has yet to win everyone over.

Some Democrats, for instance, are cautious.

“The jury is still out on the speaker,” said Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg. “I sense he is searching on his part for a particular style.”

Cobb-Hunter also offered Harrell some unsolicited advice. “I wish he would be a bit tougher on issues.”

Also, like many GOP legislators, Harrell has clashed with fellow Republican Gov. Mark Sanford.

After the governor criticized House budget writers through press releases, Harrell held a two-hour, closed-door party caucus to work out spending differences. Afterward, Harrell said the time for cooperation with Sanford was over.

“I have been trying very hard to work with him,” Harrell said of Sanford then. “I am very disappointed that he would resort to an attack ... before they voted on the first dollar.”

Rep. Ken Clark, R-Lexington, said Harrell is no Wilkins yet, meaning Harrell has to grow into the job.

But, Clark added: “He has handled himself surprisingly well. He has done a very good job in a very contentious year. ... It has been a pressure cooker-type situation.”

Rep. Gary Simrill, R-York, said the move to speaker would be tough for anybody.

“The learning curve would be immense,” he said. “But I’ve always been impressed with Bobby’s talent and ability to get the job done. He’s a natural leader.”