Date Published: January 10, 2007   

Sanford sworn in for a second term, offers vision for the state's future

By JIM DAVENPORT
Associated Press Writer

With the youngest of his four boys holding the Bible, Gov. Mark Sanford was sworn into office Wednesday for a second term, offering his vision of a better educated and healthier South Carolina.

Moments later, four F-16s from the McEntire Joint National Guard Station cut through the blue sky above a crowd of about 2,000 that included dignitaries, former governors, college presidents and choirs seated on the Statehouse steps.

Members of the General Assembly were in front of the governor, in the midst of a mostly Republican crowd of supporters that helped Sanford win a second term, something the two previous governors weren't able to do.

Eight other statewide constitutional officers, including the lone Democrat, Education Superintendent Jim Rex, were sworn in, too. Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer had his 3rd grade teacher, Harriet Ward, administer his oath of office.

In Sanford's speech, the governor noted that when he took the oath four years ago, the state was on a slow recovery from the 2001 recession and faced unconstitutional borrowing issues and raided trust funds. Four years later, Sanford and legislators are now arguing over how to spend surplus cash.

"Today I stand before you a little bit grayer, a little wiser - tempered by the reality, but nonetheless affirmed in my conviction that we can, together as South Carolinians, make a change for the better," Sanford said.

Sanford begins a second term trying to achieve many of the same goals he had when he took office four years ago.

His address focused on limiting government growth, restructuring and the need to improve health care and education.

"To walk out into this age with anything less than a first-rate education is the equivalent of a soldier walking out on the battlefield without a gun," Sanford said.

Health has never been more important, he said, "because an individual can't effectively compete with the other six and a half billion people on earth if you ain't feeling well."

Sanford's vision "is a place where its citizens are better educated, healthier and ready to meet the challenge of the 21st century."

Much of the state's current government structure was put in place when women and blacks couldn't participate in the political system, he said.

"Now is the time to restructure our state government," he said.

And the rate of government has to slow, not because government is evil, but because the money is better spent outside of government, he said.

"I need your help," Sanford said. "I look forward to working with you the next four years to prepare our state for the next four decades."

Reaction to speech was mixed.

Senate Minority Leader John Land, D-Manning, said Sanford came up far short on education. "I really didn't hear much at all about education," he said.

Sanford is the first Republican governor since Reconstruction to have a GOP controlled Legislature, but he had difficulty getting key agenda items passed amid public spats. For instance, fed up with the House's rapid-fire overrides of his budget vetoes, Sanford showed up at the Statehouse with squirming piglets. In June, a frustrated Sanford vetoed the entire budget.

Legislators wanted and said they got a sense from Sanford that he's going to spend more time working with them.

"I thought he had a very conciliatory tone focusing on working together to make real change happen," said House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston.

"I do think that he extended a hand to us," House Speaker Pro Tem Doug Smith.

That tone permeated throughout the day, including at the traditional prayer service at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral across the street from the Statehouse. A group of about 300 people heard the Rev. Gregg Surratt, pastor of Sea Coast Christian Community Church in Mt. Pleasant, encourage Sanford to remain humble.

Listen to your "friendly adversaries," Surratt said. "In my case, they're called deacons. In your case, they're called Democrats. Or sometimes even Republicans."

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell opened the inaugural ceremony in a similar tone, telling people to "say goodbye to the discord of the campaign, to the old issues and to the old disagreements. They were inflicted yesterday and morning has healed them all. Therefore, let us agree in the dawn of this new day to work together amicably for a safe and prosperous South Carolina."

Sanford had plenty of supporters on hand, but some just wanted to see to see history unfold.

Evelyn Brogdon, 55, a literacy coordinator in Sumter, brought 16 elementary and middle school students with her to videotape the event and interview people.

Today is an opportunity "to see history in the making," said Brogdon, who was hoping to hear an optimistic speech. "People need some moral uplifting."

After the inaugural ceremony, Sanford, his wife, Jenny, and their sons headed to the Gov.'s Mansion to greet people. The day was capped off with a $60-per-person barbecue at the state Farmers Market a couple of miles away.

About 2,500 people turned out on a chilly night to enjoy the food and listen to country singer and Lancaster native Julie Roberts perform.

Sanford said his inauguration was just the middle of a busy time for him.

"You've got the budget last week, the inaugural this week and the State of the State next week," Sanford said. "It just never ends, but that's the nature of the job."

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Associated Press Writer Seanna Adcox contributed to this story.