Sanford not stepping aside, spokesman says
Govrnor heading to Florida Saturday to be with family
COLUMBIA - Gov. Mark Sanford's press secretary put an end to talk that Sanford is considering a hiatus or resignation.
"The governor has no plans to step aside, temporarily or otherwise," Sawyer said. "He remains committed and determined to repair the damage he has done in his marriage and to building back the trust of the people of South Carolina."
Sanford will spend the holiday weekend with his family in Florida, Sawyer said.
"He will be spending the long Fourth of July holiday weekend with his family, leaving for Florida tomorrow morning," Sawyer said. The Sanfords also hope to take a longer family vacation toward the end of July.
The brief remarks are a contrast to Sanford's long and detailed interview with The Associated Press earlier this week. In it, he disclosed more about his love affair with his Argentine mistress Maria Belen Chapur. He also spoke about dalliances with other women, but didn't provide details other than to say those encounters did not involve sex.
The Post and Courier has a reporter en route to a 2 p.m. press conference at the State Law Enforcement Division, where the agency will discuss findings of a review to answer questions about potential use of tax dollars on the affair.
State Attorney General Henry McMaster called on the governor to be more transparent.
"Maintaining public trust, complete transparency, and full public disclosure is vitally important," McMaster said in a statement. "I have called on Governor Sanford to publicly release all travel records to the media and public as promised."
McMaster is a likely 2010 gubernatorial candidate.
Sanford backed out of a promise to the AP to release personal financial records proving he did not use state money for trips to see his mistress. Sawyer said Wednesday all pertinent records were turned over instead to SLED.
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Comments
Luna (anonymous) says...
What about the will of the people?
Sick and tired of his shicrap, he needs to go for just being plain ole stupid!
July 2, 2009 at 2:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
Can it, Luna. The only expressed will of the people was the results of the last election. Everything else is just talk rather than an actual, tabulated vote. We live in a Republic that elects its leaders democratically. We do not live under the mob rule of people that think like you, like me, like everyone on this thread, or under any other kind of mob rule.
Having said that, I think Mark should resign or be forcibly removed for MENTAL HEALTH reasons, not because of people's opinions about his private life, South Carolina being a "laughingstock", or for the inumerable other expressed reasons I have read.
July 2, 2009 at 2:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Teesa (anonymous) says...
There has to be something that "We The People" can do to get him out of office and South Carolina out of the public limelight.
July 2, 2009 at 2:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
signseeker17 (anonymous) says...
Sanford has gone to Florida for a nice long 4th of July family weekend (so he IS taking a "hiatus". Read: Getting out of the public eye and looking like a "family man")). SLED has found no "wrongdoing" (no surprise there). He's got his ducks in a row: he gets to LOOK like a family man, putting the scandal behind him, etc.. Anyone who brings it up again will be called a "stonethrower" and told to "move on". He may be mentally unbalanced, but he's one crafty politician. We're stuck with him. Most of us still say RESIGN, for myriad reasons, but he won't; he's weathering the firestorm. Let's just hope he never wins another elected office.
July 2, 2009 at 3:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BlackReign (anonymous) says...
Sanford, should resign, He betrayed his wife and sons, those that supported him and the GOP.
July 2, 2009 at 3:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
signseeker17 (anonymous) says...
I couldn't agree more, but he won't. So how do we get him out? A petition, a recall? Anyone organizing, I'll sign up.
July 2, 2009 at 3:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
High_Gravity (anonymous) says...
Wow - Way to stand by your ideals mr. Gov.
The Clinton lying under oath thing aside, That's not why Sanford called for his resignation. Sanford initially called for Clinton and Livingston's resignation based on their "marital misconduct".
Sanford please answer this - Why was it not OK for Livingston and Clinton to cheat on their wives but you it's fine? Teach what you preach!
Sanford - I think you owe Clinton and Livingston both apologies.
I've never seen anything more hypocritical - Ever
July 2, 2009 at 3:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
smp (anonymous) says...
If he won't resign ...he should be impeached. We cannot sit idle for the next 18 months. And this idiot man child is not going to be an effective leader.
July 2, 2009 at 3:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
High_Gravity (anonymous) says...
Was he an effective leader before?
July 2, 2009 at 3:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
High_Gravity (anonymous) says...
Was he an effective leader before?
July 2, 2009 at 3:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bluman111 (anonymous) says...
Postman ..I agree with you..anybody who thinks that leaving his state to meet with his "soulmate" in another country without assigning power to his Lt. Gov, has a mental problem. For those who thought that he was worried about it..given all of the help he had to pull this off..is mentally unstable as well.
July 2, 2009 at 3:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
signseeker17 (anonymous) says...
Can the public demend he get a mental health evaluation? Can the senate?
July 2, 2009 at 3:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
et29412 (anonymous) says...
Andy Savage was on Comcast 2 earlier. He was talking about another women in the Sanford closet,... The Sutton lady, who hired McCullough, atty., fearing Sanford was going to put her name in the street. The rumor is that Sutton has been having an affair with Sanford for months.
But they say that there is more. Another woman, former employee in the Governor's Office by the name of "Marcia".
Lastly, I was told there is more involving the Commerce folks. Someone needs to investigate these allegations.
July 2, 2009 at 4:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
He should resign. I think that a mentally stable man would. He failed the people. Yet, this is still a state actually run by the legislature. They need to step up to the plate. However, I have every expectation that they will fail the people also in not having him removed. And, how about the dem'lite party. Are they going to step up and convince him to resign. They probably have the best chance of running him off.
July 2, 2009 at 4:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
et29412 (anonymous) says...
Yes, Sanford has turned out to be the biggest hypocrite ever. How can he sleep at night knowing he demanded the resignation of Livingston and Clinton, while apparently approving of what he did? Of Course, he is the "Luv Gov":..and that is OK.
July 2, 2009 at 4:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
One of the posters made a comment the other day about Homeland Security possibly having some knowledge of his activities. As I've thought about it for a day or so. The governor has to be in the loop with plans for a potential attack or disaster. HS might have taken an interest in a governor shucking his protection and taking off to another country to participate in activities that could compromise any security clearance that he may have. Also, doesn't the military frown on this type of thing and bring charges against officers for doing the same thing. I don't know...just fishing.
July 2, 2009 at 4:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ncsugradsc (anonymous) says...
Mark Sanford is a liar and a cheat. I wonder if the book deal he signs will ease the pain. Money to people like him always seems to be top priority. It is ashame that he has let his family and the state down. Some people say we should forgive him. Yes, true, at the begining, but he has continued to flaunt his affair in the media. What is he thinking, well, he isn't....and that is why it hurts his family and the citizens of the state.
July 2, 2009 at 4:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cabgx2 (anonymous) says...
I was watching a History Channel show the other night about our founding fathers. The researchers for the show inferred that our founding fathers were probably drunk most of the time. They stated that the water at that time was not potable, making it beneficial to drinl alcohol based beverages. I think that this is true today of our lawmakers, although the water is now potable.
July 2, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nappyd (anonymous) says...
So this will be what, his second of three summer vacations?
July 2, 2009 at 4:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
signseeker17 (anonymous) says...
Theronce...interesting ideas. Leaving the country under false pretenses, being out-of-touch for days at a time, leaving no one in charge in case of an emergency...sounds like misconduct in office if nothing else. Ethics violations? Lawyers, where are you?
July 2, 2009 at 4:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rojay1 (anonymous) says...
An FYI for Governor Sanford - In Latin countries, it is a STATUS symbol to have a title. Most Latin countries have a class system - Upper & Lower class with no in between. I think she loves the title of Governor more than the man. She's had lovers for eight years & even told you about the last one whom she left for YOU! Obviously he did not have a big title to go with his name. You have betrayed your entire family - wife, sons,mother, & the people of SC. It won't be long before she moves on to the next lover once you leave your job in disgrace and are no longer the Governor of anything. You offered to help her son get into the film industry (HOW NICE OF YOU TO USE YOUR CONNECTIONS!) BUT, ran away from home on Fathers Day weekend rather than staying and being a Man. How do you answer your children when they ask "Don't you love us anymore?" and someday they will. Did you stop to think - what happens when they go back to school & they are laughed at because their father was on TV crying. NO YOU DID NOT THINK OF ANYTHING BUT YOUR EGO. Then you have the nerve to go on TV again & say that she is your "Soulmate". You need to be slapped silly to get some sense into your empty head. Your wife should kick you to the curb like the dirty dog you are. This all has been said in the past week, BUT remember that without your TITLE and CONNECTIONS, and MONEY, she has absolutely no use for you at all. Maybe you can write a book like all the politicians who have fallen from grace and the title could be "THE ARROGANCE OF A FOOL" because sir, that is what you are.
July 2, 2009 at 4:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nurenberger (anonymous) says...
Don't do as I do,do as I say.Proves your full of sheisse big boy.You made your bed so now we wish you the best of dreams.LMAA.Peace ya'll!
July 2, 2009 at 5:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SuzieQJones (anonymous) says...
How can I find a job where I just don't show up for a week, can have a long holiday vacation, and take a longer vacation-all in the same month? Maybe I should run for gov too.
July 2, 2009 at 6:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatmorecollards (anonymous) says...
I don't know if I really like this little glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous.
July 2, 2009 at 6:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kb01 (anonymous) says...
SuzieQ, I'd vote for you. I think that Sanford refuses to resign because in his narcissistic, warped state of denial, he thinks that if he hangs in there for 18 more months this mess will blow over and he can still run for Pres.
July 2, 2009 at 6:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tcm3412 (anonymous) says...
I would like to know, how the Gov. is going to regain our trust. Frankly, I think it would be impossible.
July 2, 2009 at 6:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rdkint246 (anonymous) says...
If Jenny can forgive him,Why can't you'll. Enough already. They're having a ball at the beach while you are at the puter bitching. Give me a break.
July 2, 2009 at 7:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
studley (anonymous) says...
Dudes and dudettes: Do you not understand that the predominant characteristic of bullies is that they are cowards?
Everyone who voted for the Luv Gov please stand up and be counted. It is you who brought this curse upon our state.
July 2, 2009 at 7:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BlackReign (anonymous) says...
Oh, look, the brave keyboard rambo troll crawled out from under his slimy, stool encrusted rock.
TheFamilyValueParty - AKA getserious, hehatemebro, yukonsuggit, Readmylips, 9 time deleted loser, chimes in.
Nothing ever comes out of her psychotic mind but ignorant ranting and childish troll crap.
Your sssooooo brave little boy troll.
LMAO, you are still pathetic.
July 2, 2009 at 8:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Mon_Kie (anonymous) says...
Grap your little shvantz and high tail it on down to Argentina, you schmuck.
July 2, 2009 at 8:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
shmily (anonymous) says...
You know, the only reason women pay any attention to him is because of his status. It isn't like he is handsome! Shame on the women! Not only do they not have any respect for themself, they have no respect for his wife. It is all about the money & what they can get out of it! In being so, it isn't compeletley his fault...he is a man in a political position and all of them are typical, disrespectful men. He should be ashamed of himself especially the shame his kids are feeling because that is who matters! He is a loser & what comes goes around! No matter what, the only one he has to answer to is the main man above...which is clearly very disappointed in him right now! One day, he will have to answer to God and when that day happens...God help him! He made bad decisions due to one thing & kitty & it will come back to bite him in his sorry behind! Sad, Sad, Sad! I feel once his time is up in office...done! Shame on him and God be with his wife and kids & others that got hurt.
July 2, 2009 at 9:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chicago_Thug (anonymous) says...
Man, this guy needs to go. Resign already.
July 2, 2009 at 9:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chicago_Thug (anonymous) says...
Posted by TheFamilyValueParty
"Ok, enough with addressing the Troll "BlackReign". Trolls like him are best dealt with by ignoring them."
and yet, you always seem to seek him out. It appears your only family value is maintaining a low IQ.
July 2, 2009 at 9:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bobbylee (anonymous) says...
Can anyone say "Special Prosecutor" whether he resigns or not?
Is there at least one attorney in this state that cares enough to file whatever is appropriate (e.g. writ of mandamus?) to get the ball rolling? Is there such a thing as a State Bar Association or Supreme Court Disciplinary Counsel that really cares about the law or a S.C. attorney willing to file a complaint to them?
Will no one hold the SLED attorneys accountable for this conspiracy to cover up a blatantly obvious theft-in-office by a sitting governor?
July 2, 2009 at 10:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
bluman111, I hear you but not conducting the affairs of the Governor's office in the exact manner you think he should is NOT evidence of a mental health issue.
The evidence of same comes from his behavior after making his infidelity public. In particular, it has been evidenced by his soliliquys about a soulmate and also sitting down with the Associated Press for an interview where he clearly confused a reporter with a therapist/psychologist. Remember, I know Mark personally and have the advantage of realizing that he has changed substantially and for the worse recently. He is not the same man he used to be. It could be that this affair has become what psychologists call an "unmasking episode".
FamilyValueParty, we know who you are. What a sorry post.
July 2, 2009 at 10:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wythe124 (anonymous) says...
There are several direct flights to and from Miami, Fla. to Buenos Aires, Agentina every day.
Does Sanford still have his passport?
July 2, 2009 at 11:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oslo59 (anonymous) says...
This is the problem with American politicians; No shame,guilt or remorse! Why should they resign when they possess none of these feelings?!
Total and complete jerks!
July 3, 2009 at 5:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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