Democrats say they were impressed by Governor Mark Sanford's courage in tackling major government reform, but expressed concerns about some of his plans for change.

The highlight of Sanford's State of the State speech tonight for many Democrats was his focus on education.

Education Superintendent Inez Tenenbaum says she was pleased that Sanford highlighted education. She says she supports keeping at-risk students in public schools rather than expelling them.

But, Tenenbaum says school size is an issue that must be decided by local districts. Sanford asked legislators to help reduce school sizes.

Manning Senator John Land says he liked Sanford's ideas on block grants for schools and conduct grades on report cards.

Democrat Land and Republican Senator Hugh Leatherman, of Florence, say they liked that Sanford was straightforward and honest about the budget crisis.

Columbia Senator Darrell Jackson and other Democrats say they were troubled by Sanford's ideas on Medicaid reform and his solid pledge against raising taxes.