Sanford responds to judiciary subcommittee decision

Gov. Mark Sanford expressed gratitude Wednesday at the House judiciary subcommittee's decision not to recommend his impeachment, and confidence that he will be exonerated on the remaining charges as well.

He defended himself as a steward of taxpayer dollars and said he's apologized repeatedly for his actions.

He thanked those involved in the decision. "These last 5-6 months have been tough for everyone involved," he said.

"There were days in the last five months when I could barely get out of bed."

His focus now is on making his remaining time as governor as productive as possible, he said, citing several recent positive announcements about job creation.

"It is my goal and my aim to finish strong," he said.

Sanford responded to the subcommittee's decision with a brief press conference in front of St. Philips Church. He spoke briefly, reading notes from index cards and taking few questions.

He said he chose downtown Charleston as the venue because the people of Charleston and the Lowcountry helped launch his political career.

"For all my stumbles along the way, they understood the degree at which I tried to be earnest."

When asked about his wife's appearance tonight on Barbara Walter's "10 Most Fascinating People of 2009," he said: "Indeed she is. She has been real grace under fire."

Someone asked if he planned to watch the show.

"You'll never know," he said, and the press conference ended.