Likely candidate defends Sanford

An Upstate Republican who soon plans to announce his candidacy for S.C. adjutant general said Gov. Mark Sanford's recent foray to Argentina didn't pose a problem for the state because state law makes it clear that the adjutant general can take over when the governor is gone.

Dean Allen of Greenville said if the governor can't be reached, as was the case for a few days during Sanford's June trip in which he saw his mistress, then his authority transfers automatically to the adjutant general.

"Our point is that the governor was getting a bum rap," he said.

"Obviously, people, me included, are a little frustrated and concerned about the governor's turn in his personal life, but I don't think it affects his ability to do his job."

A leading lawmaker said that's not the case, and the General Assembly is expected to consider legislation requiring the governor to remain in touch with his security detail, and if that's not possible, then to put the lieutenant governor in charge.

Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell said, "The biggest problem was that no one could reach him, and there's no mechanism for transferring power simply because you can't reach him."

While the adjutant general might be able to direct the S.C. National Guard if there were civil unrest or a natural disaster in the governor's absence, Harrell said he would not have authority over the S.C. Emergency Management Division, would not be able to ask that the state be declared a federal disaster area, or deal with a prison revolt.

"The governor's authority is much broader, and we need to have a clear means of transferring that power in absence of the governor," Harrell said.

Col. Peter J. Brooks, director of public affairs and community support, said S.C. Adjutant Gen. Stan Spears has seen no need to release a statement about Sanford's trip.

"(Spears) has his own personal views, but he's going to leave them just as that," Brooks said.

Brooks said that the Adjutant General has limited authority to activate the guard in the governor's absence. "It's a nonissue," Brooks said, adding that Spears has not indicated whether he will seek re-election next year.

Allen, who plans to travel around the state this week to announce his candidacy, said he was pointing out the state law because it underscores the importance of the adjutant general position.

Reach Robert Behre at 937-5771 or at rbehre@postandcourier.com.

Editor's note: earlier versions of this story needed clarification regarding Col. Brooks' statement. Brooks does not agree that the adjutant general can take over in the governor's absence.