'Frugal' SC gov flew in style
By BRETT J. BLACKLEDGE and JIM DAVENPORT
COLUMBIA - Gov. Mark Sanford shed his fiscal conservatism on several taxpayer-funded international trips, including a South American jaunt that included time with his mistress, choosing expensive first-class or business-class seats while his aides sat in coach.
Sanford, who once criticized other state officials for costly travel, charged the state more than $37,600 for one first-class and four business-class flights overseas since November 2005, expense records show. Other state employees flew in the back of the plane at a fraction of the price, according to the documents.
The Republican governor, who balked at taking federal stimulus money after arguing it was an unwise use of taxpayer funds, charged the state $8,687 for a Delta Airlines trip to Brazil last year that included a leg in business class, state expense records show.
That trip ended with the governor's now well-publicized visit to his Argentine mistress, Maria Belen Chapur, and marked what he says was the start of a nearly yearlong sexual affair with the woman he's called his "soul mate."
Other state employees spent less than $2,000 each on economy seats for the Brazil flight, according to the records, released by two state agencies under South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act.
Sanford has since repaid $3,300 for part of that Brazil-Argentina trip.
His spokesman defended the governor's state travel as "very judicious."
"He compares very favorably with previous administrations on use of the state plane, and we believe he would compare favorably on his use of other state travel as well," spokesman Joel Sawyer said.
Meanwhile, state Sen. David Thomas said the legislative panel he chairs will hold hearings into whether Sanford spent state money during trysts with his mistress. Thomas said the investigation is needed even though a state criminal probe found no wrongdoing.
Thomas, a Republican from Greenville who is running for Congress, also said word of the expensive trips was troubling may point to the need for more regulation.
Sawyer said the criminal probe should be sufficient and said politics should not play a part in scrutiny.
But Sanford's habit of more costly travel at the taxpayers' expense contradicts his claim of frugality. When first running for governor in 2002, the former congressman, who once boasted of sleeping on a cot in his office to save money, blasted incumbent state officials for their expensive flights.
"This kind of lavish spending with taxpayers footing the bill just doesn't make any sense to me," Sanford said in one campaign ad. "If I become your governor, I'll fix that problem."
State Senate Minority Leader John Land recalls the criticism that candidate Sanford heaped on others.
"I reckon he's a hypocrite," the Democrat said. "He goes before the Christian right and professes to be one thing and yet his conduct is something else. He goes before the people of the state and talks about his fiscal conservatism. But yet when you see him in action, he's going first class and spending the state taxpayers' money."
In interviews earlier this month with The Associated Press, the governor said he paid his own way when visiting his mistress during a New York rendezvous last September.
Asked if he flew coach, Sanford was quick to point out his personal thrifty side. "Yeah. You remember, I am paying," he said with a laugh.
State travel records for Sanford, who took office in January 2003, are available only back to the fall of 2005, and the documents show a persistent pattern of expensive state travel.
For example, he charged taxpayers $12,172 for travel to China in 2007, which included business-class accommodations on United Airlines, complete with upgraded food, drinks and an oversized reclining chair.
State Rep. Nikki Haley, a Republican, was a member of the state mission to China. A leading ally of Sanford's in the legislature, Haley had just wrapped up her freshman term when she was invited to attend the World Economic Forum with the governor.
She recalled a dozen or so delegates, mostly from the business community, but said she couldn't remember whether she flew coach or first class. Although expense records released by the state Commerce Department and comptroller's office do not show the type of ticket purchased, her flight cost $6,842.
"It was a big deal that we were the only state in the country that was asked to bring a delegation," Haley said. "It was very prestigious."
Other state employees who went on the trip charged the state between $1,905 and $3,963 each for their flights, the expense records show.
The records provide details of several other high-priced trips.
The state paid more than $5,000 for Sanford to fly to Poland in April, including at least part of the trip in the more expensive business-class seating. Using a different airline, Sanford's Commerce Secretary Joe Taylor also flew in business class on part of his journey, the records show. The state has not released all expense records from that trip.
Sanford spent $4,685 of taxpayer money on a Lufthansa business-class flight to Munich in April 2007.
The governor also flew in the most expensive "envoy class," also referred to as first class, on a U.S. Airways flight to London in 2006 at a cost of $7,065, according to the documents.
--
Blackledge reported from Washington, D.C. Associated Press Writer Katrina A. Goggins contributed to this report.
E-mail this story
Printer-friendly versionComments
CHRISJIII (anonymous) says...
Hypocrite!!!!!!!
July 17, 2009 at 11:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
High_Gravity (anonymous) says...
This just get's better and better.
Hypocrisy at it's finest.
July 17, 2009 at 11:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nimuetre (anonymous) says...
The deeper they dig, the more hypocrisy they find. Sanford needs to be removed from office.
July 17, 2009 at 11:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tj (anonymous) says...
Who is running our State why this clownflake tries to get some from his wife on a vaca? Jenny, I have lost all respect for you.
July 17, 2009 at 11:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammanofdi (anonymous) says...
Where's AMAZING?
July 17, 2009 at 11:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
High_Gravity (anonymous) says...
On the hypocrisy scale, I don't know which is worse:
a. Calling for someone's resignation after they cheated on their wife. But not resigning yourself after you get caught cheating on your own.
--Or--
b. Calling for state employees to share cars, hotel rooms, etc. to cut down on expensive travel. But then flying first class all over the world on the taxpayer's dime.
Fiscal and moral conservatives? This guy is doing a real number on the GOP. Stay in office Mark, Please don't go!
July 17, 2009 at 11:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
How in the hell can this guy respect himself? Oh yes, do as I say, not as I do! It appears that Sanford is more of a man of hypocrisy than a man of principle!
July 17, 2009 at 11:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bluman111 (anonymous) says...
This it it..I am sure of it now..Mark is prepping himself to go on the circuit with Rod Blagojevich.
I can not wait to see this show.(oh..this is too much).
July 17, 2009 at 12:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatmorecollards (anonymous) says...
Its disgusting to see these amounts spent on travel. Most Americans are counting pennies to keep gas in the tank. There's not even good reason to go to some of these places on tax payer money. After some trips its noted Sanford said he learned a lot.
I wonder what it was he learned? That the trips were worthless or that beautiful women come out the woodwork, attracted to the smell of American tax money?
On his family tour of Nepal, India and other exotic places, (I guess no tax money was spent on that) he should have talked to the Dali Lama. He might have learned something about earning trust in high office and and the sacrifice that goes with it.
July 17, 2009 at 12:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vmirat90 (anonymous) says...
Of course he learned something. He learned that he can preach values and fiscal responsibility, while on the other head stealing taxpayers' money for his frivolous jaunts and vacations. Business class, to boot?
Wow, he is a total dbag.
July 17, 2009 at 12:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AMAZING (anonymous) says...
The records detail more than $468,000 worth of state-funded travel for Sanford and show that he routinely billed taxpayers for high-end airline seats, racking up more than $44,000 on business- and first-class tickets. He often stayed in pricey hotels that far exceeded the rates he imposed on other state employees.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/2009...
July 17, 2009 at 12:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rld1771 (anonymous) says...
Wonder if the luv gov is gettin' any from da "wife" on his trip....hate to think our tax dollars aren't getting put to good use while he's on paid leave
July 17, 2009 at 12:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vmirat90 (anonymous) says...
It's so funny...looking back at his time in Congress...his "sleeping in his office".to save expenses..now we all know it was a political ruse. I bet he was actually nailing alot of chicks, using taxpayer money for a really ritzy hotel in the DC metro area, then coming back to his office to actually "sleep"- that way he could say he was sleeping in his office. It would not surprise me one bit.
July 17, 2009 at 1:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AMAZING (anonymous) says...
South Carolina's expense guidelines:
In addition to the requirement of coach or tourist-class travel, South Carolina's expense guidelines state that "a traveler on official business will exercise the same care in incurring expenses and accomplishing an assignment that a prudent person would exercise if traveling on personal business. Excess costs, circuitous routes, delays or luxury accommodations unnecessary or unjustified in the performance of an assignment are not considered acceptable as exercising prudence."
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/...
July 17, 2009 at 1:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AMAZING (anonymous) says...
Mr. Sanford ...
Sir, tell us about these first class tickets? uh uh uh ...well ....uh uh uh wait, let me finish...
Sir, did they at least give you free drinks? uh uh uh uh ...yes they did, how did you know? Sir, did you order like a little scotch, or whiskey or just drink a little bloody mary for the return trip home? uh uh uh ...yes I did, how did you know?
Sir, tell us about these frequent flyer miles? uh uh uh ...well, wait let me finish ...uh uh uh ...Sir, did they credit miles to your personal account as result of these first class tickets? uh uh uh ...yes they did, how did you know? uh uh uh ...wait. let me finish...
Sir, everyone gets frequent flyer miles? uh uh uh ...how did you know? uh uh uh wait, let me finish...
July 17, 2009 at 1:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Squidward (anonymous) says...
Hell, Justice Clarence Thomas flies coach. Who does the gov think he is?
July 17, 2009 at 1:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AMAZING (anonymous) says...
Mr. Sanford,
Sir, I see that you spent over $468,000 on state funded travel, what gives sir? uh uh uh well, that kind of spending "doesn't make any sense" and I promise to "fix that problem ...uh uh uh wait, let me finish.
Sir, how are you going to fix the problem? uh uh uh well, I'll just pay the money back ...uh uh uh uh ...wait, let me finish...
Sir, let me see if I understand you correctly, you are going to pay back all $468,000? uh uh u h ...Yep, I going to pay it all back ...uh uh uh ...Joel Sawyer is working on this right now ...see, problem solved ...uh uh uh ...no more problems, everything is fine now....and and and ...write this down, I never ever crossed the ultimate line, you got it? uh uh uh never did, really I didn't ....I mean it! I didn't, okay ...I really really didn't ...write that down ...uh uh uh ...wait, let me finish...
July 17, 2009 at 1:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
thedarkpolitician (anonymous) says...
I am sick of hearing how Sanford saved money by sleeping in his Congressional Office. The only person who saved money on that deal was HIM. It's not like he gave any money back, because they don't even get a housing allowance. He paid no rent and the taxpayers absorbed any increased utility costs (water, light, heating/air) from his extended use of the office during non-business hours.
Give me a break.
July 17, 2009 at 1:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
R_U_Kidding_Me (anonymous) says...
This afternoon I'm going to sleep in my office. And when the boss comes in I'll just explain how I'm saving the company money. Yeah, that's it.. That's what I'll do......
July 17, 2009 at 1:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodforyou (anonymous) says...
Your're right vmi, the whole "sleeping on a cot in his office to save expenses" deal must have been for show.
He's not just a lame duck governor, he's a lame duck politician. I don't think he could get elected mayor of Beaufort. The only reason he's still in office is the legislature doesn't want to give Bauer a free audition before the next election.
July 17, 2009 at 2:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vmirat90 (anonymous) says...
good, he probably could get elected mayor of Moncks Corner. They love the lovernator in the Corner...
July 17, 2009 at 2:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Numba10 (anonymous) says...
not worth comment---it is time for this to pass as news
July 17, 2009 at 2:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
stanish (anonymous) says...
HYPOCRITE? No, that word does NO justice to describe this Christian, Family Values, man of Principles and morals Religious Right guy! Why WASTE time holding hearings? He's ABOVE the law! He lambasts others in the governemnt for taking trips at taxpayers expense claiming if I'm elected govenor, "I'll FIX that problem". He sure did, didn't he? This guy makes Rod Blagoivech a man of CHARACTER in comparison to himself! He's really making the people of S.C. look "intelligent" by electing and RE-ELECTING him! Don't get despair however, because after all he is a "christian man of character"! Rep. Nikki Haley who accompanied him on one of these trips at $6842.00 says she doesn't remember if she flew FIRST CLASS or not. Let me help refresh your memory Rep. Haley, at that price it was FIRST CLASS! This same Rep. Haley was to be ENDORSED by Sanfraud as his successor can only make one question seriously her INTEGRITY! S.C. take note for 2010 as the successor to our HONORABLE and NOBLE Govenor. I can virtually ASSURE you it will be one of the three:
Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer who has PROVEN time after time that he himself is ABOVE the law!
Attorney Gen. Henry McMaster whose only ACCOMPLISHMENT in eight years was trying to prosecute an advertisement site on the internet, CraigList without SUCCESS,and lastly Rep. Nikki Haley whose demonstrated that she has a very SHORT Memory when it comes to ACCOUNTABILITY and speaking the TRUTH! It will only get better! It's a sad state of reality, but unfortunately the mentality of the MAJORITY of people in this great state will CONTINUE to elect people that EMBARRASSES us and label this great state as a JOKE to the rest of America and the WORLD!
July 17, 2009 at 2:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Jennifer123 (anonymous) says...
I find it hard to believe Ms. Haley can't remember where she was seated. I can recall my seat assignment- not specific row or seat- on almost every eight hour or longer flight I have been on: you remember if you are partially miserable or completely miserable on a long flight.
July 17, 2009 at 3:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BillytheKid (anonymous) says...
If this state is ever going to get out of it's strangle hold on being last place in just about everything they are going to have to get rid of all of the so called leaders that give breaks to their friends and companies that donate to get them in office.
This "tax cuts" to go forward just does not work in the real world. Tax cuts to bring in new industry is another story.
We were not prepared for the hit we are taking because of the economy turn down and until we get our act together we will always be miles behind the rest of the world.
1, Tobacco has got to be taxed higher to offset the cost of medicaid and medicare expenses in the future. Our leaders took the money from tobacco and spent it on other things.
2, Gas has to have a higher tax on it to pay for our roads and their upkeep.
3, Schools. What happened that turned the "Education" lottery into a way to pay for "researchers" for MUSC, USC and others? Why did our so called leaders spend out education dollars on a few at the expense of many? It is like buying gas for your car but not oil. You need both for the engine to work.
It is time to understand that a population that had the proper tools can get the job done.
Please don't elect anyone that is now a part of the problem.
July 17, 2009 at 3:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vmirat90 (anonymous) says...
of course, Jennifer- she is having a convenient case of amnesia. The one time that I flew in first class (and I've flown quite a few times), I can still remember the seat assignment.
She is full of crap, as is most people that defend the lovernator.
July 17, 2009 at 3:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vmirat90 (anonymous) says...
"State Rep. Nikki Haley, a Republican, was a member of the state mission to China. A leading ally of Sanford's in the legislature, Haley had just wrapped up her freshman term when she was invited to attend the World Economic Forum with the governor.."
No wonder she doesn't remember. I am also curious as to what "invited" means. He may have been gettin' busy with darlin' Nikki. Hey, it's the price you pay to be a freshman female senator, darlin.
I wonder if that's her stripper name. The only women I have ever seen with it spelled like that could do a mean twirl on a greased pole.
July 17, 2009 at 3:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Numba10 (anonymous) says...
tobacco tax not the cure------gas tax not a cure either------Schools currently funded at private school level--more money not the cure----but you will soon get all the taxes you can stand with the current party in control in Washington---and as the taxes go up and your income remains the same what will you do then---with a proposed .10 tax on every sugary drink for health care --thats $2.40 on a case of cokes which is 50% of current sale price we will see reduction in sales which will mean layoffs in various industries---then we are going to tax the rich more --the result they spend less which costs more jobs---in the end remember no matter where a tax is placed the workers pay the price for it and pay the tax
July 17, 2009 at 3:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Margarita (anonymous) says...
I have been screaming at the top of my lungs for 3 weeks now that the Governor misused state tax funds on his little 2008 trip to Argentina and everyone seemed to be just fine with that, patting me on the head and sending me back to bed with a glass of warm milk saying "there there now, it's ok, let's move on, this is a private matter between him and his family, let's look forward - not backwards, they need time to "heal", we have heard enough of this already - stop beating a dead horse and my personal favorite: but he paid it back!" but then ONE article comes out about how he flies first class instead of coach and everyone goes BALLISTIC?!?!? Are we so far down the "moral toilet" that it's somehow "ok" to take personal trips on taxpayer money but YOU BETTER NOT HAVE FLOWN FIRST CLASS!!! This is bizzare! I'm glad people are finally paying attention but how sad that it took this for people to get outraged.
July 17, 2009 at 3:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CNSYD (anonymous) says...
What is wrong with you people? As Sanfraud learned from his C Street cult, he is doing God's will. Would you expect King David to sit in coach?
July 17, 2009 at 4:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
counterpoint (anonymous) says...
CNSYD FTW!
July 17, 2009 at 4:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wythe124 (anonymous) says...
That is Sanford for you,
Dishonest as the day is long and stupid enough to think that his actions are moral.
His actions contradict everything he does.
Since he first step foot into the Governors Mansion Sanford has used his office for his own personal gain. He should be indited on corruption charges for misuse of state funds and then impeached. His politcal career is over, but the citizens of SC should hold him accountable for his actions.
I must say, I have never known of any other person in my life time that is as arrogant, blindly idiotic and immorally corrupt as Sanford.
July 17, 2009 at 5:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Sandy37 (anonymous) says...
I can not believe the people of SC expect their Governor to fly economy or coach. Vision this Governor Swartzeneger in economy. What a malaye that would be, not to mention CA economy is in horrible shape. Does the state airplane have the capacity to fly to Poland, Brazil or even over the whole US? How many does it seat? Could he leave staff in SC? You people are making a fool of your own state. What happens when you get your will? Gov. Andre Bauer? Can he run the state? Can he win in 2010?
July 17, 2009 at 5:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Numba10 (anonymous) says...
How will Obama handle the first terrorist attacks on american interest during his administration(Indonesia Bombings of american hotels)?
July 17, 2009 at 6:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CNSYD (anonymous) says...
During the base closure hearings in the early 1990s, a delegation from Charleston was going to fly to DC. Mayor Riley was part of the group. The gate agent for US Air told the mayor that he was upgrading him to first class. The mayor protested and said he could not sit in first. The agent said there would be no additional charge. The mayor said it was not worth having to explain over and over why he was in first. Think King David would have done that?
July 17, 2009 at 6:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatmorecollards (anonymous) says...
I don't know why they are even flying commercial. There's plenty of military flights with space available going all over the world. There's also space available on most overseas military bases for accommodations, its also safer.
Its time for elected officials to stop acting like European Royalty.
They need to remember, they work for us.
July 17, 2009 at 6:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jhota (anonymous) says...
twelve thousand dollars to fly to China? ignoring the added costs of upgrades and the like, does the state not shop around? in a matter of seconds, i was able to find a round-trip package for under two thousand dollars. that's less than a third of the State Rep's "bargain" $6800 ticket.
oh, and i found a round-trip to Rio for under thirteen hundred.
July 17, 2009 at 8:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Mon_Kie (anonymous) says...
Seriously, what can we do to get rid of this person?
He is destroying the state,,,bit by bit.
July 17, 2009 at 8:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RuleNumberOne (anonymous) says...
What we have yet to figure out is- making the connection between these trips and the outcome. A low rent seat in the baggage compartment that netted us nothing is not a bargain. If it resulted in millions in new business, a twenty thousand dollar seat complete with a gold-plated hemorrhoid cushion may be acceptable. But I haven't seen any results from these "trade missions." We should call them what they really are- perks or junkets. They may have much more success by visiting clean US businesses.
July 17, 2009 at 8:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Mon_Kie (anonymous) says...
CNYSD
You crack me up!
"Would you expect King David to sit in coach?"
btw...what does CNYSD stand for?
July 17, 2009 at 8:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonnative1963 (anonymous) says...
Ha, while SC teachers and policemen were praying to keep their jobs, the luv guv was flying here and yonder on our dime in high style. Of course what does one expect from the C Street band. They deserve to travel first class because they are Gods choosen ones. the rest of the proletriat can just ride in the back of the bus--that is if they have not already lost the job and cant afford to go anywhere. I am still waiting on the LUV GOV's resignation for derelection of duty. As for jenny...God help you girl
July 17, 2009 at 10:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bluman111 (anonymous) says...
Numba10..I think Obama should handle it the same way The goverment of Indonesia handles any situation that an american becomes involved in while in their country. THEY DON'T.
I have been there for many months. Let us not try to drag Obama into every little fray that other countries that most of US really dont give a damm about. (until something happens).
July 17, 2009 at 11:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pedagoguish (anonymous) says...
Someone check out this guy's closet. How many pairs of shoes does he have? As I recall, Imelda Marcos needed only 2,500 pair. What about that coat? Is it vicuna or simple Republican cloth? Any togas in there? What about that umbrella stand? And while you're at it, check out the shower curtain in the bathroom. If it cost more than $6,000, impeach the SOB!
July 18, 2009 at 1:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Postandcourier.com is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Postandcourier.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not postandcourier.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.
Users can now build user-to-user connections, follow friends' recent posts, add an avatar that fits their personality, and more. If you have posted here before you'll need to sign up again, or if you've never posted before, start now by signing up!
Full terms and conditions can be read here.
- Most Commented
- Most Emailed
- S.C. losing port traffic to other states
- Out with old ...
- Water — 'The smell is gone'
- Cart gives Buddy new lease on life
- Schools plan to update visitor-security system
- GenPhar site 'red-tagged'
- Man, 17, killed in motorcycle wreck
- Off campus
- Historic manor house used by Girl Scouts is among buildings that might be torn down to make way for future
- Tough times have taught comedian's sister to love life
