Sanford's appearance before the committee - about half the senate's 46 members - was a rare move.

He emerged saying it was in the Senate's hands. "The key with the legislative process is you put the meat into the beginning of the sausage machine and you wait and see what comes out the other side and you make the determination of whether it adds to what you're trying to do or detracts from it," Sanford said.

"This is all about how you become more competitive as a state," Sanford said.

Sanford's roadmap involves eliminating all but four of the nine current elected statewide offices and moving agency responsibilities around. Much of the proposal contained in two bills reflects what Sanford's government efficiency panel recommended last fall.

Sen. Jake Knotts, R-West Columbia, asked Sanford if he was willing to give something in the bargain. Electing governors to six-year terms without being able to seek re-election.

Sanford said that was a bad idea because it would make a governor a lame duck immediately.