Some people need to get out more

"It's pretty important to play for Governor Sanford," said Mary Farrell, 10, one of the performers. She and her bandmates rated it right up there with their performance at Hootie & the Blowfish's Monday After the Masters.

School Principal Melissa Spearman and Horry County Schools Superintendent Cindy Elsberry conducted Sanford's tour, along with the Flood family, who had pushed for the governor's visit for the last two years.

"He's an amazing guy," Sanford said of Stephen Flood, who moved here from Massachusetts in 1996. "Usually, we're not used to this level of persistence."

Flood's daughter Stephenie, now a fifth-grader, was in third grade, studying government, and Flood wanted the governor to see the school's program. He made contact by e-mail and talks ensued, but scheduling conflicts always arose, as did the governor's revelations last summer. But Flood renewed his campaign this year for Stephenie, who is in her last year at the school, and for his daughter Mindy, who is in first grade.

"I think he's a great guy and has done well for the state of South Carolina,'' said Flood, who said the governor's personal woes are none of his business. "For him to spend this time here is amazing. ... It wouldn't have happened in Massachusetts. ... I was glad he came."