Gov. Mark Sanford has named Columbia attorney Ken Wingate as interim Treasurer, according to a news release from the governor's office.
Sanford suspended Thomas Ravenel from the office after Ravenel was indicted on federal drug charges Tuesday.
Wingate will take over the day-to-day operations of the state Treasurer's office.
"Given the importance of this office, we were faced with somewhat of a crisis and realized it was imperative to name someone to lead this office immediately," Gov. Sanford said in the news release. "Whether it's been his work with our MAP Commission or more recently on the Commission for Higher Education, Ken is a person of integrity that I have an enormous amount of respect for.
"I can't say enough about Ken's willingness to do this here in the short term, and for his willingness to help us look for a longer term replacement critical to managing that office."
Wingate, 47, is a CPA and attorney with Columbia-based Sweeny, Wingate & Barrow.
In 2003, Wingate chaired the Governor's Management, Accountability and Performance Commission which recommended cost-savings to save state government more than $225 million per year.
Wingate also served on Gov. Sanford's gubernatorial transition team, and is currently a member of the Commission on Higher Education.
"I appreciate the governor's confidence in me in choosing me to fill this role during this difficult time," Wingate said in the news release. "I intend to spend the coming days meeting with staff to get up to speed on the operations of the office, and I look forward assuming those duties."
Of course Sanford appoints one of his cronies. I am sure he's a nice guy (well, as nice as a "Repug" can be.) I wonder if the guy with decades of experience was even considered? Nah, that would have been too classy.
Posted by: SFBAYPALADIN | 20 June 2007 at 02:35 PM
i just hope the northern interlopers don't start invading southern politics. and i'm an ex northerner and i'm glad to be out of crooked politics,stupid democRATS and taxation without representation,look past your nose.....
Posted by: jack varela jr | 20 June 2007 at 02:41 PM
The smarter choice for interim Treasurer, despite the election results, is the one man who truly knows the job - Grady Patterson.
Posted by: Austin Brown | 20 June 2007 at 07:58 PM
Hasn't Sanford spoken about partisan cooperation??? He should have brought Grady back! I agree with you, Austin.
Posted by: Ben | 20 June 2007 at 09:25 PM
A previous quote "I wonder if the guy with decades of experience was even considered?"
Sorry gang Mr. Patterson had to be lead around to find his office. He served with great distiction but his time was up.
Concerning Mr. Ravannel, really there is no excuse for what he did .
It was stupid.
Mr. Wingate is a GREAT CHOICE FOR POISTION.
Posted by: Louis w. Neiger | 20 June 2007 at 10:25 PM
Having met Wingate and listened to him in previous campaigns, I heartily endorse this choice. I'd rather have seen Wingate in the office than Ravenel anyhow. Wingate is smart, honest and motivated. Outstanding choice. I hope Thomas is innocent but if not, he deserves what he gets.
Posted by: Mister Bob | 20 June 2007 at 11:49 PM