The 124th SC General Assembly session began this week and I was there.

As a freshman citizen lawmaker. I’m discovering what really goes on underneath the dome and thought you’d be interested.

Have you ever wondered how the 124 seats are selected in the House? Turns out, it’s actually a big deal for some people.

Seating isn’t divided between Democrats and Republicans the way it is in Washington. Members sit together by county delegation. It’s like high school again with members jockeying for good seats. Who gets the choice seats is the luck of the draw.

DURING DECEMBER’S 2-day organizational session, Speaker Jay Lucas asked all members to move to the back and sides of the chamber, emptying all seats.

Then 46 capsules, each containing a county’s name, were drawn. That’s when the fun started with each delegation picking the spot to spend the next 2 years.

The most cherished seats have easy access to the Joint Legislative Conference Room – next to the rest rooms. The Cookie Room, as it’s affectionately called, is members-only connecting the House and Senate.

Folklore says years ago a member’s wife was a baker. He would bring in her extra cookies for colleagues to enjoy. Sadly, the Cookie Room no longer has cookies but it is home to the only remaining original State House chandelier.

The least favorite seats to veteran lawmakers are in the middle rear where members can easily be seen by the prying eyes of the watching nearby news media.

LEXINGTON COUNTY was called near the end. This session we’re on the right side, a few rows from the front.

Each desk holds 2 legislators – partitioned in the middle – and is equipped with a laptop, voting station, microphone, etc.

Though I’m next to the rest of the delegation, I ended up without a desk mate.

Like a freshman in high school, I wondered who would sit beside me. As luck would have it, it turned out to be a friend, Vic Dabney of Camden, a retired Army Apache helicopter pilot, fellow conservative, and a freshman, too.

Within seconds, maintenance staff armed with screwdrivers had affixed our nameplates to the desks. We soon adjourned and headed to our committee meetings.

It’s going to be an interesting session with lots of matters, big and small, awaiting our attention. I look forward to telling you all about it next month.

RJ May, 34, was elected last November to represent you in Lexington County District 88.