Wilkins gets legislative award

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Wilkins, a 25-year legislative veteran, became speaker in 1994 when the Republican Party won a majority of the 124 seats.

He was selected for the 2004 Excellence in State Legislative Leadership Award by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation and the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Recipients are selected by an independent non-partisan selection committee comprised of distinguished academicians and outstanding leaders from both the public and private sectors.

"Moments like this always remind me that if I can see just a little higher today it's because I stand on the shoulders of giants," Wilkins said in a statement issued by his office.

The award is intended to annually recognize a legislative leader who has worked to build and preserve public trust in the legislative institution and whose career embodies the qualities of integrity, leadership, courage and high ethical standards, sponsors said.

Rank-and-file lawmakers aren't eligible.

The annual recipient must hold or have held leadership positions, specifically, state Senate president and president pro tempore, House speaker, speaker pro tempore and majority or minority leader within the two years preceding the award.

Letters of recommendations included one from House Minority Leader James Smith who wrote, "I can personally attest to Speaker Wilkins' strength of character and strong leadership. Though I often disagree with him on the issues before our state he has always led the House in a fair and evenhanded manner."

South Carolina historian Walter Edgar wrote that Wilkins' "calm and poised" leadership helped achieve the 2000 compromise that moved the Confederate flag from the Statehouse dome to the grounds.

"He let opponents have their say, but clearly was in control of the chamber. When the vote was taken, the legislation passed and South Carolina was able to put behind it a divisive period in its history," Edgar said.

"For his stalwart courage, legislative acumen and superb leadership, I believe that Speaker Wilkins is deserving of this...award," Edgar said.