COLUMBIA - The man who wrote bogus letters promoting Gov. Mark Sanford's tuition tax credit proposal has been demoted from his position as executive director of the lead group behind the effort.

Todd McCauley, executive director of South Carolinians for Responsible Government, was replaced Monday as the day-to-day manager of the group after revelations that he had mailed three phony letters to The State newspaper's editorial board.

The bogus letters, written under the pseudonym "Dennis Sinned," railed against the news media and urged passage of the bill, dubbed "Put Parents in Charge" by its supporters.

On Monday, the group named Randy Page, a veteran of S.C. Republican politics, as its president. He will take over the day-to-day management of the group.

Denver Merrill, spokesman for the group, said McCauley was waiting to see what his new duties will be. It was clear he would not be fired for his actions.

Sanford's proposal, which has stalled in the General Assembly, would give tax credits to families who send their children to private schools or another public school, or who home-school their children.

The group's board of directors also elected Tom Swatzel, who had been the group's president, as its chairman.

Sanford again distanced himself from the staff moves.

"Anybody that's not playing by the rules on either side ought to be reprimanded for that," Sanford spokesman Will Folks said.

"This is their decision, and it's up to [South Carolinians for Responsible Government] to make its own personnel moves as it sees fit."

The group tried to put the best face on the McCauley episode and the organization changes.

In a news release, the moves were described as "a result of the overwhelming interest and coverage in the school-choice debate."

Swatzel said Page "will help us be more efficient and effective at keeping our members mobilized."

Page, a close associate of former Gov. David Beasley, said he's eager to jump in and join the school-choice debate.

"The fight being waged against this vital piece of legislation by the education establishment and certain media is astounding," he said.

Sanford, who has put his political clout on the line in this fight, debuted Monday in a new TV ad touting the proposal.