Caucus Press Release: Wilkins Re-Elected Speaker of the House
Nov 30, 2004
Wilkins Marks Decade Leading S.C. House
SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2004
COLUMBIA -- David Wilkins was unanimously re-elected Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives today -- marking a decade of service for Wilkins in the chamber's top leadership post.
"It's hard to believe that ten years have passed since you first elected me your Speaker," Wilkins told his colleagues in his acceptance speech. "Your confidence and support remains the privilege of my lifetime and serving alongside each of you, for the citizens of this wonderful state, remains a labor of love."
When Wilkins was first elected Speaker in 1994, he was the first Republican elected Speaker of any Southern state since the days of Reconstruction. Under Wilkins watch, the South Carolina House has effectively dealt with such tumultuous issues as video poker, the Confederate flag and the state lottery.
The Speaker was the chief sponsor of the Education Accountability Act, Life Scholarships, truth-in-sentencing, welfare and campaign finance reform.
Wilkins was honored nationally this summer with the 2004 Excellence in Leadership Award for his distinguished leadership -- one of only two elected officials in the country to receive this high recognition.
During his tenure, Wilkins has turned down opportunities to serve on the federal bench and as an ambassador preferring to continue his service as speaker in his beloved South Carolina.
Today, David Wilkins is one the longest serving speakers in the country. He was first elected to the House in 1980 -- the first Republican representing House District 24.
Spartanburg Representative Doug Smith was re-elected Speaker Pro-Tempore of the House. He has been serving in that post since 2000. Smith is a Republican first elected to the House in 1993.
Charles Reid was elected the new House Clerk. Reid replaces Sandy McKinney who announced her retirement earlier this year after more than three decades of service in the House -- 16 as Clerk.
Reid served as General House Counsel before his election to the top staff position in the House.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Christy Cox
(803) 734-3125
###
|
