Family physician Oscar Lovelace knows which side of the David vs. Goliath analogy he is on as he launches a Republican primary challenge of Gov. Mark Sanford.

And he’s ready for it.

“I don’t recall anyone in that Bible story providing rocks for David. He had to go it alone. I realize this is going to be a real challenge.”

Lovelace formally declared his candidacy in a six-city tour Thursday, promising change and a governorship that stays in touch with the people.

He rejects the notion he is running as a protest candidate.

“I’m going to convince the people that I’m the best candidate in the race,” Lovelace said.

While he is not considered a serious threat to the governor, Lovelace’s candidacy has the potential for causing Sanford political heartburn:

• The contest offers an outlet for Republicans to voice their anger in a primary.

• It forces Sanford to spend money he would rather save for the general election.

• The primary results could send a message that resonates into the general election and could alert Democrats that Sanford has a degree of vulnerability.

Public education, economic development, health care and property tax reform are the top issues Lovelace said he will focus on in his campaign for the state’s top job.

Political oddsmakers immediately picked the 46-year-old Prosperity physician to lose by a wide margin.

“Lovelace is an extremely long shot who doesn’t have the pedigree to steal away Sanford’s base,” said Winthrop University political scientist Scott Huffmon.

Lovelace is up against an established, heavily financed incumbent who is extremely popular with rank-and-file voters.

Sanford has $3.4 million in the bank and is adding more to his campaign coffers each day. Meanwhile, Lovelace struggles to raise $10,000 at a Greenville fund-raiser.

“I’m used to adversity,” Lovelace said. “Money can’t buy votes. People are looking for change. I believe I have the experience to make a difference.”

Sanford’s campaign took Lovelace’s bid in stride.

“Gov. Sanford always keeps his focus on defending South Carolina taxpayers and creating jobs,” the campaign said in a prepared statement. “That’s where his focus will remain, regardless of the political calendar.”

Lovelace, making his first bid for state-level public office, stressed that he holds no ill will toward the governor, saying he gave a small donation to Sanford’s campaign in 2004 and helped write the health care proposals Sanford pitched in his 2002 election effort.

But Sanford isn’t the same person he was back then, Lovelace said.

“I firmly believe he is out of touch with the needs of the people of South Carolina. He just hasn’t been able to be an effective leader.”

Lovelace chided Sanford for his inability to work with a Republican-controlled General Assembly and its leaders. The state suffers because of it, he said.

It’s unlikely Sanford will engage his challenger in a television debate. It would put Lovelace on an equal setting with the governor, and Sanford has nothing to gain from that.

Reach Bandy at (803) 771-8648 or lbandy@thestate.com.