Sanford's shocker

South Carolina, kept in the dark about the whereabouts of its governor in recent days, now knows where he's been on many different levels. Mr. Sanford's revelations at his Wednesday press conference were stunning in their content and by the sudden public presentation of his personal lapses. It's a scandal for sure, but not necessarily crippling to the remainder of his term.

The governor admitted an extramarital affair with a woman in Argentina and having taken a five-day trip there without telling his staff of the destination. Long viewed as a devoted family man, the governor acknowledged being estranged from his wife, who is living with their four sons on Sullivan's Island.

Mr. Sanford, normally resolute and self-contained, was clearly embarrassed and shaken by his public confession of the long-term relationship. Nevertheless, the governor managed to make a full explanation of his lapses and convey his commitment to make amends.

The governor spent much of his press conference apologizing — to his wife, family, friends, staff and, finally, the people of South Carolina.

In a subsequent statement, First Lady Jenny Sanford said she remains committed to repairing their marriage. Despite the public nature of Mr. Sanford's confession, the public should not intrude on the family's privacy in this crisis.

Meanwhile, the governor's legislative critics continue to focus on his unexplained absence from the state and the lack of dependable information regarding his whereabouts. That's a legitimate area of public concern, and it's safe to reclassify that mistake as a lesson learned.

Gov. Sanford has resigned as chairman of the Republican Governors Association, which should limit further distractions to the national party. Just a few days ago, the governor was mentioned as a possible presidential candidate, but it's likely that his high mark on the national political scene has come and gone.

But Mr. Sanford says he will not resign as governor.

His personal errors of judgment shouldn't disqualify him from continuing to serve as the state's chief executive. The contrite governor should do what he can to repair his personal life and minimize further distractions from his job.