COLUMBIA - Gov. Mark Sanford spent part
of Tuesday afternoon meeting with House leaders trying to find
common ground on issues that could set the agenda for the next
session - and the tone for next year's elections.
The legislative agenda they're leaning toward involves a handful
of key issues: property tax relief; the ability of government to
take privately owned land; and changes to the state's Medicaid
system and worker's compensation laws.
With an election year looming, cooperation could be helpful to
Sanford and legislators who have sparred repeatedly during the past
three years.
The Republican governor and leaders in the GOP-controlled
Legislature have had off-session meetings before that left lawmakers
optimistic only to have the good feelings fade fast when they
returned to their desks. During his first term, Sanford has held the
threat of a lawsuit over legislators' heads and hauled two piglets
to the House's door two years ago after representatives rushed
through overriding 106 budget vetoes.
"This one felt different than the previous meetings we had,"
House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, said.
"I had a sense that we're going to try to accomplish these common
goals together."
Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer says the discord has come in
details.
Legislators and the governor "have been on the same page about
their goals, but there has been some disagreement on how to fix"
problems or address issues, Sawyer said.
The governor's hasn't reached out to the House's top
Democrat.
"I'd be glad to go and talk over some legislative items with the
governor," said House Minority Leader Harry Ott, D-St. Matthews.
"I'm still waiting on the telephone call."
