Harrell: 'I don't plan to run' for governor

House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, has decided he will not run for governor in 2010.

Harrell was among the speculative front-runners for the GOP nomination.

Harrell said after discussing it with his wife, Cathy, that he could best acomplish his goals - particularly economic development and turning S.C. into a modern economy - as House Speaker.

"I don't plan to run," Harrell said. "The goals that I want to see accomplished I can best accomplish from here. For me it's always the things I want to see done, not the office."

Among the other GOP contenders floated are Attorney General Henry McMaster, U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett and Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer.