Posted on Wed, Jan. 10, 2007

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Republicans celebrate with fanfare and a gala

By ROBIN COWIE NALEPA

rnalepa@thestate.com

Gov. Mark Sanford was late to his own party.

The S.C. Republican Party rolled out a flag-lined red carpet Tuesday evening for more than 750 people to celebrate a second Sanford inauguration at the 2007 Black Tie Inaugural Ball at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

Two trumpeters, a bagpiper and the S.C. Washington Light Infantry heralded the official processional at 8:30 p.m., for members of the S.C. House and Senate and constitutional officers including Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer. The crowd edged closer to the red carpet for a better look at the 115th governor of S.C., but he wasn’t there.

For nearly 30 minutes, the crowd of tuxedoed men and gowned women milled around the Columbia Ballroom.

The Kadillacs, a 12-piece band complete with a horn and rhythm section and three blond singers, entertained the crowd.

Partygoers nibbled on peppered beef and shrimp with grits and Taos gravy.

When party organizers gave the thumbs-up that the Sanfords had arrived, all eyes once again turned to the red carpet where the trumpeters played.

A spotlight redirected attention to the large stage where the governor appeared with the first lady by his side.

He did not apologize for arriving late but did thank everyone for their support.

The governor wore a tie and navy suit. The first lady wore a navy-blue Armani dress. In the Sanfords’ fiscally conservative fashion, she borrowed the designer gown from her sister-in-law, Julie Sanford.

Those attending the event appeared unconcerned by the governor’s late arrival.

“They have to make a special entrance,” said Lynn Gullick, wife of freshman House member Carl Gullick.

The Gullicks attended a pre-ball event hosted by Bauer and insisted they were almost late, as well.

Glamour and glitz highlighted the ball. Women in gowns of gold, red, yellow, blue and pink dotted the crowd. Fur coats and stoles draped shoulders. At least one ascot replaced a traditional bow tie.

Ann Edwards, wife of former Gov. James Edwards, wore a black gown embellished with large gold palmetto trees and a lame wrap.

“I wore this special for tonight,” Edwards said. “Someone gave me this dress when I was first lady.”

Ladies in red cut the most striking silhouettes against the many black tuxedos.

Dr. Bambi Gaddist, , executive director of the S.C. HIV/AIDS Council, was one of them. She wore a long red velvet dress contrasting with her cap of platinum hair.

Gaddist and co-worker Vivian Armstead, who wore a black gown and opera-length gloves, came to the ball to network.

“I am a Democrat,” Armstead said.

Many other attendees said they attended the ball to support the Republicans.

Several highly decorated military officers stood out in their dress uniforms. Brig. Gen. Laurie Newton and Chief Warrant Officer Terry O’Conner of the S.C. National Guard were among them.

O’Conner said he came to show his respect for all the elected officials.

“I came to see the governor,” Newton said.

Fortunately for all those who paid $150 or more for tickets, the governor made it.

Reach Nalepa at (803) 771-8507.