Sanford's political star rising
Governor on national stage with new leadership role; talk of 2012
john watson-riley/ap
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford is interviewed Wednesday after arriving at the 2008 Republican Governors Association meeting in Miami. GOP governors gathered for a three-day conference.
Previous Stories
Sanford as VP remains hot topic; But C of C professor says it's unlikely, published 02/19/08
Sanford to host GOP governors' staff, published 06/18/08
Gov. Mark Sanford won his first national election Friday.
By the looks of it, being voted chairman of the Republican Governors Association won't be the two-term South Carolina governor's last ride on the national stage.
Sanford was about the only one in political circles who missed the buzz about this future Friday, as the GOP tries to find new leadership to pick itself up from a devastating Election Day defeat. The Washington Post dropped his name in a story Friday on a short list of potential GOP candidates for president in 2012.
He hadn't read it. He'd have to find a copy.
So, is he interested in the job?
Sanford: pause.
And finally, "I've learned that you never say never in life. My time in politics has been a strange collision of doors opening. It's not where I'm aimed, not where I'm focused, but you never say never."
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a fellow Republican, said he's happy for his longtime friend. They served in Congress together in the 1990s.
"Mark's election as head of the Republican Governors Association is a big personal honor for him," Graham said. "It speaks well of Mark because his colleagues see in him leadership qualities that will help rebuild the Republican Party. From the South Carolina point of view, we're all very proud of what Mark's been able to accomplish. This is a feather in South Carolina's hat. I know Mark will do a great job trying to expand our party's base and help rebuild the party.
"I think he is truly one of the Republican Party's young rising stars," Graham said.
Sanford's been doing a lot recently that will raise his national profile, including testifying before Congress in October to oppose the bailout plan and a CNN commentary earlier this week that highlighted his conservative values. Someone even created a Facebook page dedicated to "Mark Sanford President 2012."
Legislators, though, say privately that Sanford has been gearing up for a higher political office for quite some time and his public posturing is the source of a lot of their infighting.
Neal Thigpen, a political science professor at Francis Marion University, said much of what Sanford's known for in South Carolina is a push for ideologically driven principles that creates constant friction with the Legislature, and for that reason many people will be happy to see him leave the state.
"There's a number of people, particularly among the legislators, who believe that he's been a one-man wrecking crew in the state," Thigpen said.
Still, Sanford's abilities should not be taken for granted, Thigpen said. He came out of nowhere to win a seat in the U.S. House and easily won a first and second term as governor.
"You're crazy to bet against this guy," Thigpen said.
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Comments
This article has 42 comment(s)
Posted by jammer on November 15, 2008 at 6:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thigpen KMA...
Sanford and DeMint are the two best things to happen to this state in many a year, these reps are much more interested in being a servant to "the people" than the grahamnesties and the likes that flip flop all over the place depending on which politician they are trying to impress
Thig's and Grahamnesties are all about posturing to each other, totally oblivious of the people they are supposed to serve... thinking instead that they are to rule with some really idiotic ideas instead of paying attention to what the people want and serving them
grahamnesty only won because people were trying to keep the numbers higher on one side, many felt like they had to pick the ____ just to avoid a take over... I didn't vote for him, he's one of the types we need to change from IMHO
enough of my rant... lol
congrats Sanford and keep up the great work!!!
you too DeMint!!!!
thank both of you for all you guys do and try to do for us!!
Posted by justmyview on November 15, 2008 at 7:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mark Sanford seems like a decent man who tries to do the right thing. But I honestly do not see any significant progress the state has made under his leadership. He is often at odds with his party members in the General Assembly which frequently results in them overriding his vetoes and legislation not getting done. South Carolina does not attract high tech companies like North Carolina and Georgia and Sanford's support for higher education seems lackluster. But if Sanford is looking to seize the national leadership of the Republican party, he is more suitable than Jim Demint or Sarah Palin.
Posted by northeastguy on November 15, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
as long as they take him out sc, anyone that wants him can have him, btw, where is his 10 days off with no pay and 15% cut at the gov's office. Did i miss that story or do his rules only apply to all the other state workers. This guy is a disater as he destroys the few state services that are even available in SC. He is also destrying higher education in the state with his cuts. Nice work Mark, LOL.
Posted by planet_earth on November 15, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Encore Northeastguy!
Posted by yird on November 15, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)
northeastguy,
Sanford is the best thing to happen to SC in the many years I've been here.
True he does not have "northeast" corrupt values and ideology and we are better off for it.
If SC is as JimIslander claims, "a failed state" why are all these quacks that look down on the South coming here?
Can't be for jobs or affordable taxes. Not in a failed state!
Posted by mkris on November 15, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yird,
You're right. The northeast has had its share of problems: high taxes being one and growth that has destroyed quality of life. Most northeasters relocated here not for the jobs, but quality of life issues - Sand and sea, lower taxes.
BUT - you can't argue that South Carolina has one of the worst reputations for education, high violence crimes and poor working conditions. That is a direct result of a tax base that is inadequate and is so low basic services suffer. Politicians like Sandford and DumbMint sucessfully play into the fear of taxes and the "keep 'em poor and dumb" policies of ths state.
Like everything taxes are a balancing act and Sandford and DumbMint work hard to keep this state at the bottom.
Posted by zekemire on November 15, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The legislators would like to see him go because he holds their feet to the fire! Instead of helping him fix the finances of SC they continue to spend on useless recurring programs! Look at the fact that 5 or 6 years ago he told them to put the surplus revenue to paying down the debt or in the rainey day fund for the time when it would be needed instead of creating new recurring entitlements! NOOO, they had to do all these socialist programs even though they are supposed to be conservative republicans! Now they had to cut $500 million and probably will have to cut more in the Spring! Yep, it looks like Sanford was right once again!
Posted by tc1 on November 15, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The legislators control almost everything in this state, there is no balance of power. Sanford predicts the (obvious) future and they ignore him. But he keeps on telling them and thats what POs them. Like spoiled children they will have their way until it collapses. Difference between a republican and a democrat = degree of excess and method
Posted by tc1 on November 15, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Serial, food is no longer taxed here. It is my impression that NY is one of the highest taxed states in the Union. Really, am I incorrect?
Posted by jschaap on November 15, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I just hope our bone-head GOP party from SC (excluding DeMint) dosent start coming out and endorsing Sanford..... He is too principled of a man to get caught up with fake conservatives.
Please, Sen. Graham, dont feel the need to endorse Sanford anymore. Let him get his chance.
Posted by chucktonian on November 15, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sanford is right. unless somebody sounds the alarm on the Republican overspending of Lindsey Grahamnesty, John McCain and George W. Bush, the United States Government will go bankrupt.
Republicans lost because they abandoned the moral ground of smaller government, lower taxes and lower spending
Posted by ceecee on November 15, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I can see Sanford's appeal from a fiscal angle but when you factor in SC's rank in education he falls short.
With the economy being the hot button issue education might be overlooked in the short term but once that turns it will be harder to defend. Just my opinion.
Posted by a_set_love on November 15, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wonder what's Gov. Sanford's stand on abortion. In this "War of Terror" Liberal Socialists are conducting against the most venerable of our society, about 60,000,000 victims and counting since 1973, Liberal Socialists are about to fire a new volley.
President "0" has stated, on record that he supports and will quickly sign, when it comes across his desk, the "Freedom of Choice Act", being pushed in the Senate by Sen. Boxer. This Act negates all state laws and "States Rights" referring to Abortion.
This act also creates a precedent in law that a "Federal Law" can supersede/overturn/negate a "State Law". A large States Rights issue, me thinks.
If President “0″ wins this states rights issue on Abortion, whats next…… Remember they already know who has the guns and where you live. All he needs is 60+ Senators on the Socialist Democrat side and he's gotch ya.
We need strong Conservative Senators and Governors standing toe to toe against President "0".
Posted by yird on November 15, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
JimIslander What's a "maroon'?
Just what does this standard of living that you place such a high value on consist of?
Wall to wall apartments ( now affectionately called condos), a shopping mall at every intersection, gridlock traffic like the once quiet towns of Summerville and Mt Pleasant are no subjected to?
I don't see any northerners living like kings. I see homes for sale or being repossessed from fools trying to live beyond their means after they relocated here trying to put on the dog.
I sure envy the standard of living in Flint Michigan and Youngstown Ohio for example. Those cities are not run by dam Yankees. They're run by dam smart Yankees.
Keep up the good work Governor Sanford.
Posted by a_set_love on November 15, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
JimIslander - There you go again with that magical "Change". I wonder if all the "Obamanites" have got a grasp on what it means yet.
If they can run over the states on Abortion whats next, Freedom of Speech, Freedom to Bear Arms, etc. on down the list.
Posted by yird on November 15, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
JimIslander; you are eat up with it.
Change, progress, move forward,and hope are just a few of the mindless platitudes visited upon us by the pie in the sky thinking leftist dominated by the demon-crat party.
This clueless pawn that people without hindsight just elected to be our president will probably be the death knell for our nation unless there are enough folks with working brains left to figure a way to stop him and his handlers.
Ignorance can be tolerated as long as it is held down to a harmless strata but when it elevates itself to situations of importance it needs to be dealt with directly.
Posted by mkris on November 15, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
One good thing for Northern investors: South Carolinians will always sell grandma's farm for a few bucks then do nothing to stop developers. THis is a state of two peoples: those with capital and those that don't. THe ones with capital rule. Northerners are coming down with capital. They will own the state.
Posted by I_Love_d_Peninsula on November 15, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
South Carolina will be dragged into the 21st century, although she will be kicking and screaming all the way!
Posted by yird on November 15, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
JimIslander;
Where did you come up with this infantile idea?
"Standard of living = cost of living versus relative comfort."
Some years ago our revered government published a list of all the states and how they ranked in the standard of living hierarchy.
Something I remember explicitly, was Connecticut was number one and they had more phones per household than any other state.
The criteria used by folks who probably never turned a wrench, milked a cow or set a trot line and we in the real world are supposed to value their opinion?
What is your description of comfort, sitting in a sports bar watching American Idol?
Posted by guidedbystewart on November 15, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sanford is a governor that has his ideology so far up his backside, he has a problem making pragmatic decisions. Sure for the low tax small government crowd, he is a hero. Yet, if there is a State that need to invest in the future, it is SC.
Mkris summed it up best,
“BUT - you can't argue that South Carolina has one of the worst reputations for education, high violence crimes and poor working conditions. That is a direct result of a tax base that is inadequate and is so low basic services suffer. Politicians like Sandford and DumbMint successfully play into the fear of taxes and the "keep 'me poor and dumb" policies of this state.
Like everything taxes are a balancing act and Sandford and DumbMint work hard to keep this state at the bottom.”
The South has always been the poorer least educated part of the US, and some do not mind keeping it that way. For some of the military retirees the low taxes, sand and beach is just what you want. But for me, a native of SC, I want more from my State, yet the idiots in charge of this State are doing little to make this so.
BTW, what has Sanford done to help SC compete in the global economy? What has he done to get high paying jobs to this State? What has he done to stop the brain drain from this State?
NOTHING!
Posted by yird on November 15, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
JimIslander ; Who's we? A bunch of miserable whinny liberal bed wetters that want uncle sugar to provide their every need.
You would probably be better off moving to a less sophisticated area of the country, no, the world.
How about Bangladesh? You could really "live like a king" there.
Better have a little dough with you though. No freebies there.
Find someone else to cry to. your just too darn dense to waste any more time on.
Carry on Governor Sanford, real people are proud of you.
Posted by yird on November 15, 2008 at 12:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
guidedbystewart "What has he done to stop the brain drain from this State?"
NOTHING!
============================================================
No sense asking why you haven't left, the answer is obvious!
Posted by guidedbystewart on November 15, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
yird said,
"You would probably be better off moving to a less sophisticated area of the country,"
Where is that? South Alabama, South Georgia, Mississippi, West Virginia?
Those are about the only place in the US less sophisticated than SC, and even that is arguable. Also, all of these place are just as conservative, so much for your argument.
Posted by guidedbystewart on November 15, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
yep rednecks some them some Republicans, yeee Haaaww!
Is that not right yird and jammer!
Posted by gneubeck on November 15, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Our Nation possesses an abundance of untapped petroleum reserves; off our coastlines; in the Alaskan wilderness; in the Bakken formation, which is estimated to hold 5 TIMES MORE OIL than the massive Ghawan field in Saudi Arabia; and, in the form of hi-quality shale oil in the Rocky Mountain region where we have the equivalent of ten(10) Saudi Arabia's in recoverable reserves. The same shale deposits that contain substantial quanities of natural gas. And yet, we have permitted LEFT-WING FRINGE ELEMENTS to inhibit our access to such deposits. The incredible irony is that the CHICOM are exploring for oil 45miles South of Key West, while we have prohibited ourselves from exploiting the same resources. Had Bill Clinton, in '95, not vetoed the Republican controlled Senate approval of drilling in ANWAR, exploration which has been previously proven to be beneficial to the Alaskan Caribou herds, we would have had an additional one million barrels of domestic oil production on-line TODAY; and, a concurrent reduction in the at-pump price of gasoline of $1/gallon. Further, there is an inherent synergy to be exploited between Nuclear Power and Shale Oil Extraction. Concurrently, Barrack Obama, ensconced in his own vision of scuttling fossil fuels, has pledged to confiscate the profits of America's Energy Companies. A move that would cripple our capacity to explore/develop additional petroleum reserves; greatly exacerbate our dependence on foreign sources; and, dramatically further increase the price of fuel at the pump. (Granted that the commitment to drill would experience a lag before additional petroleum products could be brought to market; but, the mitigation on speculative factors on price would be immediate. To note; an increase in margin requirements to further dampen speculation would be a positive step.) And, to compound this folly, Obama has already signaled that he intends to restrict domestic oil & gas exploration in the United States. A profound display of ignorance of the geopolitical circumstances confronting America. Obama is rigorously following the playbook of his former mentor, Saul (The Red) Alinsky, in his determined and relentless focus on the implementation of his Marxist Socialist agenda. Few in our electorate seem to realize the intensity with which the Obama camp is in pursuit of a transition of the American political landscape to a Socialist society. Will we awaken before the pit is too deep to exit? Greg Neubeck
Posted by eatmorecollards on November 15, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have recently seen in the news media where President Elect Obama says he doesn't mind surrounding himself with former opponents and persons who may have different views. Then he refers to that as a practice of the great President Lincoln. I'm then reminded that the American Civil War started on President Lincolns watch. Those words sound good,but I would prefer to learn form the mistakes of history instead of repeating them.
Posted by guidedbystewart on November 15, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Actually yird, the brain drain is a good reason I thrive here. Few people here have the brains, skils or training to do my job, so I am paid well (for this area). Besides, if it was not for friends and family, I would have left long ago.
Posted by tc1 on November 15, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Even though the liberals know that Sanford is not much more then a figurehead without the power to really make significant changes, They sure do seem to be threatened by him. Could it be that our republican legislators who do have the power are almost as good as having democrat control?
a_set_love, The government only has the names of the honest gun owners.
Posted by yird on November 15, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
gneubeck; just read your post and I totlally agree with what you say needs to be done.
I have NOT researched the information pertaining to the specific amounts of what, and where it was at, to the extent you have but my rudimentary excursion into the subject is in line with your more complete conclusion.
What is troubling is those on the left will take a soundbite from some left leaning talking head or an op-ed piece from the NYT and treat it like a divine proclamation while simultaneously demanding that you come up with documented proof and a list of sources for what you say.
If these fools applied the same stringent rules of verification to their own convoluted beliefs they would probably have a quick change of heart.
They will first have to suffer the harvest of the seeds they have sown.
Posted by tc1 on November 15, 2008 at 2:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"while simultaneously demanding that you come up with documented proof and a list of sources for what you say."
And if you do then you are accused of being a cut and paste idiot
Posted by ceecee on November 15, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
gnuebeck - you may be jumping the gun a bit on Obama. Maybe. Don't forget that it is under Bush (not Obama) that banking has become semi-nationalised (and maybe some automakers).
As for our petroleum reserves, it sounds like you have done your homework and I won't argue with your numbers. What I would argue is whether or not we should use them. If we could get gas back to 1$/ gallon at the pump that would have some negative affects as well. Not only would it put the brakes on developing a SUSTAINABLE energy source it would throw it in reverse. A case of price amnesia would soon grip the county and we could be back to our suv/ Hummer ways. We pride ourselves as being innovators; why not spearhead an industry for a comprehensive energy source (wind, solar, nuclear, etc.) that could eliminate the need for oil. That could be the death of Al-Qaeda. Isn't that what we all want?
Tapping our reserves may ultimately free us of Middle Eastern oil but not China, India and other emerging countries. If we could create said energy source we could then bring it to market and offer these countries an alternative. Imagine a "War on Terror" without firing a single bullet.
Not to mention leaving our children, grandchildren, etc. a cleaner planet to inherit. Ignoring the fact that fossil fuels are a finite resource is tantamount to buring our heads in the sand.
Posted by yird on November 15, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CeeCee, If we developed all the alternative fuel sources to their fullest potential and could travel, heat and cool our homes and so forth without oil we would still need vast quantities of it.
Almost everything we have come to depend on from the computers we snipe at each other on to the asphalt that makes our drive more pleasant started out as a quantity of crude oil.
If we wish to continue to enjoy the technological benefits that petroleum based products provide us we must find alternative or more efficient sources for our transportation and home environment needs.
Modern civilization is married to oil.
Posted by yird on November 15, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Reality check, JimIslander,guidedbystewart, northeastguy, and getserious are all visibly absent this afternoon.
Now, for an undisclosed amount of satisfaction can you tell us where they might be?
OH!OH! that's easy, what is a gay protest?
I hope the weather did not impede the flavor of their pursuits.
Posted by hairy1663 on November 15, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
JimIslander,where are you from originally? I doubt seriously it's James Island, or even South Carolina for that matter. I lived on JI for over 40 years and you sound more like those pompus,arrogant transplants that I moved to Walterboro to get away from.
Posted by ceecee on November 15, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yird - I agree with you.
Necessity is the mother of invention. If we continue to focus our efforts on providing more oil at cheaper prices we will essentially remove the necessity for invention.
I realize it is somewhat of a pipe dream but that has never stopped us before. I won't pretend to know what the solutions might be I just believe they exist. Onward and upward right?
Posted by yird on November 15, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by ceecee on November 15, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yird - I agree with you.
Necessity is the mother of invention. If we continue to focus our efforts on providing more oil at cheaper prices we will essentially remove the necessity for invention.
I realize it is somewhat of a pipe dream but that has never stopped us before. I won't pretend to know what the solutions might be I just believe they exist. Onward and upward right?
=========================================================
At the risk of being labeled a cut an paste idiot(like I give s&!t)
Right!
Posted by Siri on November 15, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HELP I need the name, date, info, anything relating to the driver released after paying $400something fine after traffic fatality. A friend from MADD needs the article. Please help, must have it tonight or tommorrow.
Posted by yird on November 15, 2008 at 7:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
GetSerious;"hey yird, my cousin is retarded"
==========================================================
He undoubtedly says the same about you. Reckon it runs in the family.
I hope your receiving proper care.
Did you have a good time downtown today at the gay protest?
Your comment about Palin demonstrates a total lack of knowledge.
The whole issue about the Africa deal has already been exposed as the work of staffers that fear their jobs in jeopardy if Palin moves up the political food chain.
Once again nobody expects you to know much of anything so keep supplying us with your pseudo wisdom.
It's great fun.
Posted by northeastguy on November 15, 2008 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
there is nothing special at all about this guy, he has a very small mind, and no vision for the future. He has no plan to improve the states education system. His biggest concern is to keep smokers happy to pay only 7 cents a pack. He would rather cut care for kids and education, than raise a penny tax on smokers. This is the guy they are promoting for what? He should maybe be ceo of Philip Morris if anything, not a governor or anything else.
Posted by 803scdantes on November 15, 2008 at 10:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You're right northeastguy- if we would only increase taxes on smokers then we'd have a better education system. I'm sure you were one of the ones during Jim Hodge's administration that swore if we passed the "education" lottery then our education system would improve as well. A lot of good that's doing us. What you lack is a vision of the past and a vision of what is coming in the future. Taxes started out as a 2% income tax on the rich, and now is increasingly intruding on our lives. A penny tax here, penny tax there and suddenly my sales tax in Berkeley county is 7%, soon to be 8%. No big deal though right? Then there's the car tax, income tax, medicare tax, social security tax, gas tax, and your sin taxes. Let's follow your plan and increase all sin taxes on whatever things you and your cronies think is good. Smoking is bad so we should tax it. Well let's increase all taxes on fast food, restaurants, groceries that are more than 30% of your daily fat, condoms, sexual treatments, etc. When does it stop northeast guy? I'm proud of Sanford for standing up for 6 years against tax increases and trying to get the legislature to cut their spending on pet projects. People like northesat guy only see the problem as not having enough money when the real problem is that the legislature is too much of a good old boy network in which favors are traded instead projects funded that would actually benefit the state. Sanford has consistently vetoed budgets that waste money that are consistently overridden. I hope he runs for president. He's got what it takes to stand up against the spending.
Posted by northeastguy on November 15, 2008 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
NY tax 2.75 pack, DC, MD 2.00 per pack, 7 cents does not pay any where near the cost that the rest of the taxpayors incur to take care of smokers as they try to kill themselfs.. I beieve one study I read said it's about 80 cents a pack cost to society when you factor in health care costs paid for by other tax payors. Many smokers have no insurance, so guess who is paying for their health care? So, you want to subsidize smokers with your tax dollars.
If I were running for governor, my platform would be to improve the schools to make sc in the top 10 in the US. I know, the life long sc guys are happy to be in the bottom 10 because thats the way it has always been. Lets keep our good old boys dumb and happy.
Posted by yird on November 16, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
GetSerious;
No offense taken,you no more offend me than a puppy peeing on my shoe.
You and the rest of the court jesters will have to suffer my absence for a while.
Got a lot to do and I've been negligent so the next few days will be make up time.
Don't despair, like old Arnold-------I'll be back.