COLUMBIA--Some South Carolina business leaders are upset with how Gov. Mark Sanford is handling the state's economy. Now they're trying to find someone to run against him in a 2006 Republican primary.

Bob Royall, a retired bank executive and former state commerce secretary under Republican Gov. David Beasley, is said to be considering a run.

"Bob is giving it serious thought," said Jerry Beasley, the former governor's cousin who has conferred with Royall and other businessmen. "I'm confident he'll run if the conditions are right."

Others acknowledge a search is under way to recruit a "legitimate" candidate. House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, is another name mentioned in political circles.

"I can't deny this is not taking place," said Republican consultant Warren Tompkins.

Business leaders have expressed concern about the state's high unemployment rate, slow job growth, recent losses in high-profile industrial recruitment and Sanford's rocky relationship with other state leaders.

"We have failed to be competitive, even in the Southeast," said Mack Whittle of Greenville, chairman of the state Chamber of Commerce. "We're losing ground, and we can't continue to do this. There is a high level of frustration in the business community right now."

Whittle, chief executive officer of Carolina First bank, supported Sanford in 2002 and contributed money to his campaign. But he might not in 2006.

"I'll have to see what my options are," Whittle said.

Business leaders in the state had high hopes for Sanford when he was first sworn in as governor almost three years ago.

But many now express disappointment.

"I would vote for Porky Pig before I'd vote for Sanford again," said Greenville Republican and public relations executive Tim Brett.

Tompkins said many executives are concerned about the state's 6.3 percent jobless rate, stunted job growth and absence of an aggressive economic development plan.

Sanford's top economic development official, Commerce Secretary Bob Faith, has defended the governor's record on jobs.

Faith said the state has created almost 13,500 jobs during Sanford's tenure, totaling $2.76 billion in capital investment.

And the governor still has the support of others in the business community.

O.L. Thompson, owner of a construction company in Charleston, defends Sanford. "Mark is a catalyst for change."

Bill McCrary, chairman of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance in Greenville, said Sanford has the right priorities. "He has the potential to get things done."

Still, McCrary said he would like to see the relationship between the Republican governor and the Republican-controlled General Assembly improve.

"Somebody is going to have to bury the hatchet if this state is to advance."