Posted on Wed, Dec. 06, 2006

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Harrell re-elected speaker

Key committee assignments will be made today

By AARON GOULD SHEININ

asheinin@thestate.com

MARY ANN CHASTAIN/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

South Carolina House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston takes the oath of office Tuesday for a new term from Rep. Herb Kirsh, D-York, as Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-Laurens, watches. Harrell won his first full term as speaker Tuesday.

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Rep. Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, was re-elected House speaker Tuesday, unanimously and without opposition.

Harrell was named to his first full term, after having been elected in 2005 to fill the term left vacant when David Wilkins, R-Greenville, resigned to become U.S. ambassador to Canada.

Harrell’s election came as members of the House met to begin a two-day organizational session in advance of the Jan. 9 start of the new legislative term.

Harrell was nominated by Rep. Jim Harrison, R-Richland, the man he defeated for the job in 2005. Harrison said Harrell has worked to “reach across party lines and listen to every member who wants to be heard,” and is willing “to tackle the difficult issues facing this body.”

Harrell thanked members for their votes and said it’s time to work.

“There is much we need to do,” he said. “We need to work together — everyone — to give our children the best education possible.”

Also re-elected were Speaker Pro Tem Doug Smith, R-Spartanburg, clerk Charles Reid, reading clerk Bubba Cromer, sergeant-at-arms Mitch Dorman and chaplain Charles Seastrunk.

If Tuesday was dedicated to the ceremony of new beginnings, today’s session will be a reminder of the internal politics that make the House a difficult place to lead.

Harrell will pass out committee assignments today, and one thing is guaranteed: Not everyone will be happy. There are three openings on the powerful Ways and Means Committee and at least a dozen members who want one of those spots.

Harrell’s mission is difficult. If he rewards his closest supporters with the plum assignment to the budget-writing committee, he could anger others and cost himself support among the 72-member Republican caucus.

And one of the three openings was previously held by a Democrat. Does Harrell give that seat to another Democrat, thereby further limiting his options for satisfying fellow Republicans? Or does he give it to another Republican and anger Democrats — most of whom banded together to support him over Harrison?

The answers will begin to become clear when the House convenes at 10 this morning.

Reach Gould Sheinin at (803) 771-8658.