I had the opportunity last week to watch the South Carolina House of Representatives debating the 2010-2011 State budget. As the debate continued through the night I found myself exhibiting a kaleidoscope of emotions.

They ranged from admiration to frustration which eventually turned to anger and disbelief.

Admiration for the dedication and stamina of members, both Democratic and Republican. I followed the deliberations for over 8 hours. The session continued through the night ending around 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. Let no one accuse these people of failing to earn their pay.

They dealt with a number of amendments intended to handle unpleasant realities facing our state. Unfortunately others bordered on the absurd, which is where frustration began.

Examples of the latter include one by Rep. Jeff Duncan, a Republican hoping to join Congress. He offered an amendment requiring that state funds utilized to purchase history books could only be spent for texts which include the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution and Columbus' discovery of the new world among other facts.

It was observed that because of shortfalls this budget does not allocate any funds for text books next year thus making his amendment pointless wasting valuable time.

Another amendment offered by Rep. Nikki Hailey, Republican candidate for Governor required that the minimum amount of educational funds used directly in the classroom be increased from 65% to 70%. It took about two hours of debate to establish that the current practice already utilizes 87% of funding in the classroom.

The highlight of the evening had to be when Rep. Greg Delany and Rep. Rex Rice, another Republican seeking the seat in Congress, forced the body to revisit an issue settled the previous night. This involved whether State Employee health care benefits could be used to fund abortions in the case of rape, incest or danger to the life of the mother.

According to statements these situations occurred six times last year. There followed a passionate debate about abortion that consumed over four hours before the majority Republicans overturned the previous nights decision.

In choosing to prohibit the use of health benefits under these circumstances some members switched to the opposite position from one taken less than 24 hours earlier. Beyond political "grandstanding" there was no logical explanation for these reversals.

Our state is confronting serious problems that these "phantom" issues fail to address. Unemployment stands at a record high in SC, the state budget is woefully inadequate forcing significant cuts throughout government at every level and already projections are anticipating over a billion dollar shortfall looming next year. I watched in disbelief as members wasted time attempting to score political points in advance of the June Primary.

All this is now being followed by Attorney General McMaster, who is running for Governor, wasting money on a frivolous lawsuit and U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint running for re-election by continuing to challenge healthcare reform through a repeal bill with no hope of passage.

These actions illustrate how this state has suffered from over a decade of Republican "smoke and mirrors." Under their control of the Executive and Legislative branches we find ourselves facing this current debacle.

Meanwhile Republicans continue to waste valuable time pursuing personal and ideological agendas that contribute nothing to solving legitimate problems confronting average South Carolinians.

It reminds one of Nero fiddling while "Columbia" burns. South Carolina cannot afford a continuation of this failure to focus on priorities that address the quality of life for our citizens.

If there was ever an example of why leadership in S.C. must change, this disconnect with issues important for our people should serve as proof positive.

John Painter is the chairman of the Pickens County Democratic Party.