(Columbia) June 2, 2005 - David Wilkins gave up the post he's held for more than a decade on Thursday and reflected on the House's accomplishments during his tenure, "I go knowing that working together we brought accountability to our classrooms, greater justice for the victims of crime, more money kept by taxpayers, and ultimately less government intrusion in their lives. I hope history will note that this chamber handled with honor and dignity the flag debate and successfully steered our ship of state through the perilous waters of a national recession and fears in the wake of 9-11."
    
Wilkins leaves the State House for his new job in Canada, where he's been appointed by President Bush to be ambassador.

Wilkins has played a major part in nearly every big issue in his 11 year tenure as speaker. Among them was an end to video poker and the removal of Confederate flag from atop the State House dome.

His departure means a new beginning for his replacement: Represenative Bobby Harrell of Charleston, "Ladies and gentlemen, now is the time to heal. As tough as this selection has been, the bottom line is we were all friends before it started and we must all remain friends now that it is over."

The vote for the Republican and Ways and Means chairman would have been unanimous, but Mauldin Representative Dan Tripp voted no.

Tripp says Harrell has personally threatened him retribution in the budget on two occasions. Harrell denied threatening Tripp and other members of the Ways and Means Committee said they had never seen Harrell threaten anyone during the budget-writing process.

Harrell says he has wanted to be speaker since the beginning. The Republican has been serving in the House since 1993. 
    
Harrell thanked the former speaker for his mentorship and guidance, "Your steady hand has guided this House through several difficult times and South Carolina is better because you've been here."

Wilkins closed his remarks with a word of thanks, "I am truly blessed to have served here with you.   Thank you. God bless you. And God bless South Carolina."

Harrell says he won't take the speaker's gavel officially until June 21st. House Speaker Pro Tem Doug Smith will preside for a two day veto session that begins June 14th.

Updated 7:44pm by BrettWitt