An Upstate Republican plans a run for the leadership of the only law-making committee in the Legislature headed by a black Democrat.

If Rep. Brian White of Anderson wins, Democrats would be stripped of all chairmanships of law-making committees in the House and Senate, 10 years after the GOP first won control of the S.C. House.

However, most representatives said they would be surprised if the committee changes leaders.

Still, White had House members buzzing Tuesday, the first day of the House’s organizational session, by saying he wants to take over the Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee, known as “3M.”

White plans today to challenge Rep. Joe Brown, D-Richland, when committee members elect leaders.

“This isn’t a black or a white thing,” White said. “It’s more of a leadership thing.”

White said he wants to take a more hands-on role with bills dealing with day-care regulations, nursing homes and rural health care.

Brown said he has no intention of giving up his position.

Twelve of the 17 current 3M committee members are Democrats. However, House Speaker David Wilkins, R-Greenville, could change the membership.

Brown said who wins “just depends on who’s on the committee” when the election is held.

House Majority Leader Jim Merrill, R-Charleston, said he would support Republicans taking over all House committees.

Republicans control the House by a 74-to-50 margin.

Speaker Wilkins said he won’t try to influence the election. “I think it’s important the members of that committee make that decision.”

Democrats said they want to keep control of the committee, but some added they would support electing a Democratic 3M chairman other than Brown. Democrats sometimes are frustrated by Brown, who has bucked his party to vote with Republicans.

“It’ll be up to (the committee members) to decide if they feel comfortable with his current leadership,” said former Minority Leader James Smith, D-Richland.

Rep. Jerry Govan, D-Orangeburg, a 3M committee member, said he doubts Democrats would elect a Republican, however.

“It would not be wise,” he said, considering how little power Democrats have in the House.

Reach Talhelm at (803) 771-8339 or jtalhelm@thestate.com.