Predictions that unhappiness with Gov. Mark Sanford - triggered by Sanford's rash threat to sue the General Assembly - had doomed his ambitious reform agenda for the 2004 session may have been premature. Sanford last week met behind closed doors with Speaker David Wilkins and House leaders, where mutual grievances reportedly were aired. Afterward, Wilkins promised to try to push Sanford's agenda through the House before the April 30 deadline for sending bills to the Senate.

Good. Wilkins might start by reviving the governor's proposal to eliminate elective offices and consolidate agencies, so that whoever happens to be governor is accountable for executive-style functions. The Senate made a hash of the proposal last month.

Legislators need a substantive accomplishment or two to take to the voters in November. Their new understanding with Sanford gives them a chance to do something important for the people of South Carolina before the 2004 session is out.