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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Former Lancaster Sen. Greg Gregory has returned to the seat he left in 2008.

The Republican was sworn into office Tuesday after winning a special election last week with 77 percent of the vote. The seat was open after former Sen. Mick Mulvaney won election to Congress in November.

Gregory told his fellow senators it's great to be back. He says voters are demanding that the Senate take action on important issues.

The Builders Supply president held the seat for 16 years before retiring in 2008.

Gregory says he hadn't planned on running for his former seat. He entered the race after Lancaster pharmacy owner Hugh Mobley dropped out, citing health reasons.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)