Gov. Mark Sanford has named Robert Robbins, the deputy solicitor for Orangeburg, Calhoun and Dorchester counties, to fill the remaining term of Solicitor Walter Bailey, who retired Wednesday.

Sanford’s appointment, issued Wednesday, must be approved by the state Senate.

Sanford spokesman Will Folks said Friday the governor considered a number of factors in appointing Robbins, including Robbins’ experience and Bailey’s recommendation.

“The governor is always going to pick the person he thinks is most qualified,” Folks said.

Sanford, Robbins and Bailey are Republicans.

Robbins, 41, of Summerville, has been a prosecutor with the 1st Circuit since 1997. Efforts to reach him for comment on Friday were unsuccessful.

David Pascoe, 36, the first assistant solicitor for Richland and Kershaw counties, said earlier this week he plans to run again in November for Bailey’s seat.

The St. Matthews resident in 2000 made an unsuccessful bid for the seat.

Pascoe, a Democrat, said Friday he was not surprised by Robbins’ appointment, saying the “deal already had been cut some time ago.”

“I’m not disappointed because I want my appointment to come from the citizens this November,” he said. “I want my appointment to be based on merit, not politics.”

Bailey on Monday announced he was retiring Wednesday. He was elected solicitor in 1992.