Harvey Peeler

Gov. Nikki Haley won final approval Thursday for more recorded voting in the Legislature, sparking cheers from Tea Party organizers as she delivered on a central campaign theme.

“It’s about dang time,” Columbia Tea Party organizer Allen Olson said after a 110-0 vote as the House went along with Senate changes to the recorded voting legislation. After routine ratification next week, Haley will have her signature campaign issue on her desk to sign.

In a statement, Haley called it a huge win for the people of South Carolina. “But most of all I appreciate the people of this great state who stood with me and demanded accountability from their government these last three years. Now, by force of law, the people will have it,” Haley said.

Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler said it’s a big win for Haley a little over two months after taking office.

“That was her signature issue, and she was very successful with it,” said Peeler, a Gaffney Republican. “She came with a mandate to get it passed and did it.”

The Legislature takes plenty of recorded votes already, but Haley argued voters are entitled to more. The bill heading her way means roll call votes will be taken on every bill on second reading, each section of the state budget as well as when the House and Senate approve compromise versions of legislation approved by House and Senate negotiators.

The House and Senate already included those changes in their operating rules. But Haley argued state law needed to be changed, too, to make sure legislators are held accountable to more than internal procedures.

House Speaker Bobby Harrell, a Charleston Republican, said the change was needed.

“A state law putting every important vote on the record will give our citizens a powerful and permanent tool to hold government officials accountable for the decisions they make,” Harrell said in a statement. “A well informed public will produce a more restrained and responsible government.”

Olson said Haley and activists forced legislators to act.

“They’re now forced to vote the way their constituents want them to, and they can’t hide their votes,” Olson said. “We can keep track and hold them accountable.”

Article courtesy of The State