OPINION: Let the 2010 campaign begin for S.C. governor

Let the 2010 campaign for governor begin.
In what should be one of the most hotly-contested state elections in decades, at least 10 candidates have expressed interest in replacing Gov. Mark Sanford as South Carolina’s chief executive.
Trust, economic development and education will be the major issues in the 2010 election.
Whoever takes over, he or she will inherit a state reeling from Sanford’s extramarital affair, stagnation amid recession and tight school budgets.
Several Republicans and Democrats shoot to the top of the list and have started campaigning across the state and in the Pee Dee.
Lt. Gov. André Bauer, Attorney General Henry McMaster, U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett and state Rep. Nikki Haley head the list of Republicans who likely will be in the field.
State Schools Superintendent Jim Rex, State Sens. Robert Ford and Vincent Sheheen and House Minority leader Harry Ott would appear to be the leading Democrats.
The Republican primary likely will decide the governor’s race unless the fallout from the Sanford scandal haunts the GOP into November 2010.
If Sanford remains in office through then, he could become liability for the Republicans, rallying support to the Democratic nominee.
Republicans should not underestimate the lack of trust in Sanford. The governor has put his personal agenda and interests above those of the state. He has lost the confidence of the people and the Legislature.
Since admitting his affair with an Argentine woman, he has embarrassed the state with his pronouncements. His talented and strong wife, Jenny Sanford, has moved out of the governor’s mansion with her four sons.
When Sanford leaves office, the new governor will have to restore trust, order and accountability. He or she will have to build a relationship with legislators and other policy makers.
The task will not be easy, but the person who replaces Sanford will be greeted with open arms and an unprecedented honeymoon. Citizens of South Carolina will be so happy to end the Sanford saga, the new governor will ride into Columbia as a hero.
The Sanford issue will give way eventually to desperate needs in the state.
The governor must provide leadership in creating jobs and expanding small business opportunities. A strong partnership with the state Department of Commerce in showcasing South Carolina and attracting business must be a priority, along with development of a port in Jasper.
Education continues to rise in importance. Some school districts have crumbling infrastructure and trouble paying teacher raises. Rural districts have little hope of retaining good teachers. Layoffs and cutbacks loomed as possibilities until Sanford was forced to take federal stimulus cash.
The dropout rate and illiteracy haunt the Pee Dee as significant problems. Programs that support special needs children need to remain intact.
Other issues of importance include problems with access to preventative health care, the environment and transportation. Would an increase in the cigarette tax help fund better health care? Does the state need more nuclear plants and a coal-fired electric plant to meet the state’s energy needs for residences and businesses? How can the state build roads and replace bridges without a tax increase?
The 2008 election seemed to drag on forever. Voters have needed a break from the personal attacks and debate, but it’s time to re-engage.
South Carolina under Sanford’s lame-duck leadership will be lucky to maintain the status quo for the rest of 2009 and 2010. But with the election of a new government, hope springs eternal.
We’re ready for the conversations to start anew. Let the campaigns begin.