COLUMBIA - Gov. Mark Sanford spent part of Tuesday afternoon meeting with House leaders trying to find common ground on issues that could set the agenda for the next session - and the tone for next year's elections.

The agenda they're leaning toward involves a handful of key issues: property tax relief; the ability of government to take privately owned land; and changes to the state's Medicaid system and worker's compensation laws.

With an election year looming, cooperation could be helpful to Mr. Sanford and legislators who have sparred repeatedly during the past three years.

The Republican governor and leaders in the GOP-controlled Legislature have had off-session meetings before that left lawmakers optimistic only to have the good feelings fade fast when they returned to their desks. During his first term, Mr. Sanford has held the threat of a lawsuit over legislators' heads and hauled two squirming piglets to the House's door two years ago after representatives rushed through overriding 106 budget vetoes.

"This one felt different than the previous meetings we had," said House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston. "I had a sense that we're going to try to accomplish these common goals together."

Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer says the discord has come in details. Legislators and the governor "have been on the same page about their goals but there has been some disagreement on how to fix" problems or address issues, Mr. Sawyer said.

Mr. Sanford also has been meeting and talking with Senate leaders, Mr. Sawyer said.

In the past, Mr. Sanford's office has been sharply critical of Rep. Dan Cooper, R-Anderson. A year ago, Mr. Sanford used Mr. Cooper's efforts to get a fire truck for Powdersville as an example of "fiscal gimmickry" in the state budget. Mr. Sanford would have vetoed money for the truck, but Mr. Cooper put it in the budget in a way that the governor's veto pen couldn't touch it.

Now Mr. Cooper is chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and responsible for writing the budget.

"I certainly hope we're going to get along a little better," Mr. Cooper said after meeting with Mr. Sanford. "I think he's trying to reach some common ground on some issues we can all support."

Mr. Sanford can carry weight in House elections, Mr. Cooper said.

"I think most of them think he can help or hurt," he said. Mr. Sanford has promised to help Republicans "if he has time and his schedule permits."