COLUMBIA--Strike former state Commerce Secretary Bob Royall from the list of potential challengers to Gov. Mark Sanford in the June Republican primary.

Royall, 70, a former U.S. ambassador, says he seriously considered taking on Sanford but decided his age leaves him without the vigor needed for the campaign.

"I'm not going to say I have the same energy level that I had 15, 20 years ago. I don't," said Royall, who was ambassador to Tanzania under President George W. Bush for two years. "I had to come to grips with my own weaknesses, and a lot of that has to do with energy level. ... You know when you're done."

Business leaders and others displeased with Sanford's handling of a variety of issues and run-ins with the GOP-controlled Legislature had courted Royall for the primary.

"He would have made a great governor," said Jerry Beasley, a business lobbyist who encouraged Royall to run.

Royall supporters paid for a poll Beasley said showed Sanford extremely popular among voters.

Sanford already faces one primary opponent, Dr. Oscar Lovelace of Prosperity. Two Democrats have announced, Clearwater state Sen. Tommy Moore and Florence Mayor Frank Willis.

Royall said he decided a gubernatorial bid "at this stage in my life" is not the best way to draw attention to the economic problems facing the state.

While Royall said he will support Sanford, he said the governor needs to listen to others, particularly regarding economic development, and mend relations with legislators.

Business leaders in other Southern states "really don't look at us as though we are a major competitor," Royall said.

He questioned whether Commerce Secretary Bob Faith is given adequate resources and support.

And the feuding with lawmakers should end, he said.

"The governor should try to do something to try to heal that. It is not a healthy economic environment for the two to be at each other's throat. It sends the wrong message," Royall said.

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