Sanford: new Statehouse security a “waste”

Gov. Mark Sanford says a new $6 million security system at the Statehouse is a “colossal waste” and has ordered state police away from some checkpoints.

Sanford says in letter released Tuesday access points to an underground garage and surface parking area won’t be staffed any longer by the Bureau of Protective Services beginning Dec. 8.

The Republican governor has been bickering with the Republican-controlled Legislature about the security system for more than a year.

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell pushed for the enhanced security based on recommendations from security experts to protect the public and Capitol complex workers.

McConnell says Sanford’s security detail keeps him safe and saysother people should be kept safe too.