Sanford cites reasons for staying in office
COLUMBIA - Gov. Mark Sanford said legislators and friends encouraged him to stay on the job, in part, to not set the state back and to not interfere with the 2010 governor's race.
Mary Ann Chastain/AP
Gov. Mark Sanford
Sanford, who is limited to two terms, would be replaced by Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer if he resigned. Both men are Republicans.
Bauer told CNN that he would be willing to assume the position on the agreement that he wouldn't run for a full term after serving Sanford's remaining 18 months. Bauer said that would help to take political angling out of the picture.
But Sanford said he is no longer considering resigning. Leaving office would be the easy thing to do, he said. Resigning was his initial reaction.
"If the good Lord's going to make changes in your life, you've gotta stick around for the process," he said.
Sanford declined to say why he traveled to Argentina to see his mistress when his wife asked him specifically not to go, saying that question was too personal.
The remarks followed the state Budget and Control Board meeting, where he again apologized for his affair with an Argentine woman. It was revealed Friday that Sanford visited his mistress while on a state-funded trip to Argentina.
Sanford apologized to some of his biggest political enemies before he called the Budget and Control Board meeting to order.
Sanford and board member Sen. Hugh Leatherman have been constantly at odds. Leatherman, R-Florence, is the Legislature's top budget writer.
The governor acknowledged his strained relationship with the members of the board, which he has lobbied hard to dissolve. He spent years arguing for its power to be transferred to the executive branch.
Sanford said he is coming out of this situation a changed man. He said he is learning to be less judgemental and more humble and forgiving.
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gmc1 (anonymous) says...
COLUMBIA - Gov. Mark Sanford said legislators and friends encouraged him to stay on the job.
Oh yea? Who are these people, name some names.
And stop throwing out the name of the Lord everytime you speak. It's sickening to those of us who believe in what the Bible teaches.
Your wife threw you out the house, the legislators of the state of SC should throw your tail out of office.
June 29, 2009 at 2:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GeorgetownCountyRes (anonymous) says...
"'If the good Lord's going to make changes in your life, you've gotta stick around for the process,' he said."
Every time this guy mentions the Lord, I want to throw up. The Lord didn't make changes in your life, Sanford, you did.
June 29, 2009 at 2:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
I guess the whole argument about the governor being a man of principle gets thrown out the window!
June 29, 2009 at 2:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
martin (anonymous) says...
...crazier by the day.
June 29, 2009 at 2:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wjhamilton3 (anonymous) says...
Resign, and please leave Jesus out of your love triangle. Please don't hold out your twisted model of Christian marriage for emulation. A lot of us, really, Governor, go home to our wives of many years every night with no overwhelming sense of sacrifice. We don't misappropriate state funds. We don't bug out on our jobs for days at a time without letting the company know where we are. None of this is hard for a lot of people.
June 29, 2009 at 2:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
counterpoint (anonymous) says...
For those who missed it, an illuminating take on this issue:
http://tinyurl.com/mkfcvz
June 29, 2009 at 2:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Numba10 (anonymous) says...
well from the preceding comments I am guessing these are not Christians---or if they are then forgiveness is not in thier vocabulary---and what is that about the first stone---seems that applies so well to all
June 29, 2009 at 2:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
counterpoint (anonymous) says...
Also, as an atheist who believes in Jesus as a remarkable man who performed remarkable deeds, I have to say that Sanford's continued references thereto are repulsively narcissistic.
June 29, 2009 at 2:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Zod (anonymous) says...
Georgetowndude, forget about cheating and forget about Sanford......
On any given day a person realizes that he doesn't know everything. That person will lose all clarity on the subject of life that he gathered his entire life. The clarity is also known as "reason". The one fact that you do know is that you (and everyone else in your life) is better off with the belief in a power greater than yourself rather than nothing but yourself. It's a great life lesson and if you have not realized it as of today, you are either a novice at life or you have never loved anyone but yourself. I learned my lesson. It took me 35 years to learn the lesson but I did learn. It appears as though it took Sanford almost 50 years.
"Sanford said he is coming out of this situation a changed man. He said he is learning to be less judgemental and more humble and forgiving."
Learn from these words. There is something out there in your life waiting to change your take on life. Hopefully someone will be there for you on that day to tell you their story. It serves to lesson the blow. Let me tell you that the blow will hit like a ton of bricks.
As for me and the day I learned my lesson.....I prayed. Cheat on the wife? I never have and probably never will. But on the day any person learns that his soul is near empty, I'll pray for him too.
June 29, 2009 at 2:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Numba10 (anonymous) says...
still the question arises---what needs were not being met that he found them met outside of marriage?????
June 29, 2009 at 2:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
smp (anonymous) says...
Forgiveness is not the issue. Just want him to give up the job he can no longer do. Oh and plus his arrogance makes me want to vomit.
June 29, 2009 at 2:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lloyd007 (anonymous) says...
TRULY A SAD SAPP...HEY, NEWS FLASH. YOU SIR, ARE NOT DAVID.!! AND AS SOMEONE HAS SUGGESTED, STOP THROWING THE LORD'S NAME OUT THERE SO SMOOTHLY AS IF YOUR SOME BARN-YARD PIMP..OHH, HOW QUICKLY I FORGET..YOU ARE...!!!!..CLOWN. YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO POLITICIANS, DISGRACE TO AMERICA AND A COMPLETE DISGRACE TO THIS STATE. YES, PLEASE NAME THESE SO CALLED SUPPORTERS OF YOURS. THEY SURE AS HELL WILL NOT BE GETTING MY VOTE IN THE FUTURE. AND AS IT STANDS, THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HAS DIFINITLY LOST MY TRUST, ESPECIALLY IF THE PARTY CAN'T SEE THIS WHOLE INCIDENT FOR WHAT IT TRULY IS AND YOU FOR WHAT YOU REALLY ARE..A LYING, CHEATING ,GOT CAUGHT, SELF-CENTERED, ALL ABOUT ME, HYPOCRITE..!!!..YOU REPRESENT YOUR PARTY WELL IDIOT..!!!
June 29, 2009 at 2:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Numba10 (anonymous) says...
smp---yes it is if you are Christian---and where did you stand on Clinton and is infidelities and his ability to do his job-----his failure to do his job led to 9/11
June 29, 2009 at 2:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Numba10 (anonymous) says...
lloyd--so I guess you cant vote dem or repub--for it prevails in both parties John Kennedy, Ted Kennedy, Dwight Eisenhower, Bill Clinton, and the list grows
June 29, 2009 at 2:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Jennifer123 (anonymous) says...
"Bauer told CNN that he would be willing to assume the position on the agreement that he wouldn't run for a full term after serving Sanford's remaining 18 months"
What months does Bauer want to be governor: fall and winter; football season in Columbia, spring and summer off; beach and boating in Charleston? Is this is serious proposal?
June 29, 2009 at 2:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
webman2 (anonymous) says...
Well, all that christian stuff is well and good, but the fact seems to be that he used some state money to carry out his travel. The answer to that can't be reimbursement--"pay if I get caught." He should resign.
June 29, 2009 at 3:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Numba10 (anonymous) says...
Bauer is backstabbing
June 29, 2009 at 3:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Numba10 (anonymous) says...
lets have the proof in the pudding before we scream for this or that----try to remember innocent until proven
June 29, 2009 at 3:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Zod (anonymous) says...
webman2, I agree. My last comment about Sanford was about his tarnished record. His record while serving as governor is horrible. But it seems what some seek now is disgrace. I cannot support that....ever. The record speaks for itself. He has accomplished nothing while in office.
The sad fact is that it took total destruction in his personal life for him to realize that he has wasted the last 6 years in misery. I think he may well accomplish more in his last year and a half WORKING WITH PEOPLE rather than saying a bunch of words that eventually fall on deaf ears.
June 29, 2009 at 3:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Sandy37 (anonymous) says...
Now everyone can get back to the business of SC. I am sure that the people who created this mess are a bit disappointed that they failed to get him out of office Hey guys, it has worked beautifully in the past. I hope the Sanfords can make a decision that is right for them without a lot of further interferences.
June 29, 2009 at 3:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
I haven't read what he said. As I said when I learned of this, the only thing that I am interested in coming from him is, "I resign". He has no credibility.
June 29, 2009 at 3:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
"I am sure that the people who created this mess are a bit disappointed that they failed to get him out of office"
"[T]he people who created this mess" are Gov. Sanford and his mistress. Let's keep that part straight.
June 29, 2009 at 3:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Mon_Kie (anonymous) says...
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/polit...
June 29, 2009 at 4:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
whocares51 (anonymous) says...
I cannot believe Gov. Sanford is determined not to resign! He has committed the cardinal sin and yet he pledges to go forward with business as usual. He has disgraced himself, dishonored his family, lied to his staff(?) and greatly disappointed the people of SC. And that's not even counting possible legal ramifications. He states that he doesn't want to resign fo fear of "setting the state back". What does he think he's been doing for the last six years. Between his political verbal volleyball with the legislature and vetoing practically every bill that came across his desk, just what did he accomplish? I really don't know and if someone could enlighten me of any of his major acheivements, I would certainly appreciate it.
Sanford at best was an ineffective governor for a whole host of reasons. Probably the most important was he was completely out of touch with the people of SC, and to him, everything was about Mark Sanford and only Mark Sanford. He allowed his future political aspirations take precedence over the well-being of the people he was elected to serve. Two prime examples were his refusal to take part of the economic stimulus funds. Don't fool yourself, this action was a ploy to show Republican conservatives that he was fisically responsible. It didn't matter to him that thousands of people were out of work and more losing their jobs every day. Which brings up his game of keeping the unemployed in suspense, not once, but several times,over whether or not he was going to request additional funds from Washington because the SC Employment Security Commission was broke. And of coure this terrible economic situation had nothing to do with Mark Sanford. It was the Legislature's fault, the SCESC's fault, even the unemployeds fault, the janitor who cleaned the bathrooms in the Governor's Mansion's fault-everyone but Mark Sanford was to blame! But not Gov. Sanford, he sat on his lofty perch and was above reproach.
But it seems as if the tables are turning. He has practically given the SC house every reason they need in order to impeach our self-serving Governor. And if they don't take advantage of this golden opportunity, remember who your state representatives are next election, and let's vote all those who refused to take the initiative and do the right thing, out of office. Maybe this state needs a good old fashioned housecleaning, starting at the top and coming right on down. Most of the politicians in Columbia forget the moment they get there, who they are there to serve. They do not regard themselves as representatives of the people or public servants. To them it's just a free ride on the Gravy Train Express, complete with all the trimmings. I urge all citizens of SC to contact their respective senators and representatives and demand that justice be done expediently for the good of all concerned!!!!
June 29, 2009 at 4:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Numba10 (anonymous) says...
whocares51---Thank you for making the point of it not being the Govs fault--you are so correct it is each one you listed for not pressing thier legislator for change--for the Gov cannot pass nor amend laws, appropriate nor spend money---so whocares51 you are correct it is not the Govs fault ---it is the fault of the peoples represenatives--and as for the stimulus money the state is now deeper in debt---
June 29, 2009 at 5:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CNSYD (anonymous) says...
To borrow from Nicholas Von Hoffman's statement about Nixon during Watergate, Sanford is a dead rat on SC's kitchen floor. Time to remove it.
June 29, 2009 at 5:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wythe124 (anonymous) says...
IMPEACH SANFORD! He does not have the right to choose to stay in office. The people of South Carolina should move to call for a referendum for a vote of NO CONFIDENCE. If this referendum passes the State Legislator will have no choice but to convene and draw Articles of Impeachment to get Sanford out of office.
June 29, 2009 at 5:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lillycollette (anonymous) says...
That "forgivness" concept is one of the most abused I have seen in a long time. Give it a rest Mark. Take responsibilty for your behavior and seek professional help.
June 29, 2009 at 5:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JoanneH (anonymous) says...
OK, Gov, we're done here.
June 29, 2009 at 5:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Numba10 (anonymous) says...
lilly---they are in counseling---and the concept of forgiveness cannot be abused-- you either do it, believe in it or you dont.
June 29, 2009 at 6:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charleston4life (anonymous) says...
Get mark out of here! I asked my employer if someone left the job without notice what will happen? The response was they had 2 managers that did it and that's why they don't work for the company anymore.
If I was to leave my job without notice, believe me I would not be able to come back and apologize. I would have had to go in front of the higher ups, fill out forms, wait for my decision and I would have been in the unemployment line while looking for work.
Please stop the politics!
June 29, 2009 at 6:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Numba10 (anonymous) says...
but that is what this is POLITICS---not business---vast difference--same rules dont apply---just ask the people in federal prison for lieing to a federal grand jury about sex and clinton who is not
June 29, 2009 at 6:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CNSYD (anonymous) says...
gmc1, I will give you one name. Haley. She has publicly said Sanfraud should stay. Of course she is also running for Governor and would not want Bauer to gain anything.
June 29, 2009 at 6:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
et29412 (anonymous) says...
If the Governor would have stayed true to his lofty principles and resigned and said that he was going to work full time to repair the damage he has caused, I could buy it. As a matter of fact, voting for him in the future, under that scenario, could very well happen. It takes a lot of character to do what you preach. I am referring to his hypocritical comments and demands made on Bill Clinton and others asking for their resignation in the name of character and honesty. Everyone knows he has held himself out to be a family man a Saint Mark.
June 29, 2009 at 7:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AMAZING (anonymous) says...
In June 2008, a relationship that started out innocently and in Mark Sanford's words, "developed into something much more than that."
That month, Sanford traveled to Brazil on a state trade mission. He managed to build in a side trip to Buenos Aires.
The governor's agenda includes hours of "personal time" and two dinners where he advises others to have "dinner on your own." Receipts show he listed no other state officials joining him at El Faro restaurant and el Mosto wine bar both in the Hilton Buenos Aires, where he stayed for three nights that weekend.
Gov's `other woman' fiercely private, no pushover
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/storie...
June 29, 2009 at 8:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
et29412 (anonymous) says...
Bauer told CNN that he would be willing to assume the position on the agreement that he wouldn't run for a full term after serving Sanford's remaining 18 months:.
Bauer should not agree to such an arrangement. I respect and appreciate his position meaning that he is not wanting to make a gain at the Governor's expense. This is a commendable position to take, but the SC Constitution requires the Lt. Gov. to move into the job if needed. Bauer should set his heart aside and make no deals. If Sanford resigns, and I doubt that it will happen for a host of hypocritical political reasons, Bauer should follow the guidelines and if the voters want to keep Bauer after 18 months, so be it:.or they could fire him:..that is how the system works:.
June 29, 2009 at 8:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moodyclown (anonymous) says...
Govenor, your ego has to be one of the biggest American's have ever witnessed. The state can't live without your help? Maybe you should have thought about that before you went missing wearing your Fruit of the Loom on the wrong side of your knees.
June 29, 2009 at 8:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
12839226 (anonymous) says...
Gov Mark Sanford has no shame,he refused to accept Stimulus funds to improve the lives and welfare of the poor,but is willing to travel to Argentina for love outside the marriage with a female other than his wife. This is the same guy who as a Congressman was in the forefront, voicing strong opinions and calling for the Impeachment of Bill Clinton, because Clinton had a relationship with another woman who was not his wife.How can this Gov,the same guy who was so righteous and claim to follow the teachings of the religious right,not step down as Gov for the same despicable behavior that he strongly condemned.Is it that the Republican establishment accept this type of behavior,but is willing and eager to point fingers at the democrats.
June 29, 2009 at 9 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ncsugradsc (anonymous) says...
Sanford is a LOSER and an IDIOT!!!!!!!
If he really wants to do a service to this state, he needs to quit. I don't know why anyone in their right mind can try to defend him for lying and misleading his staff and the state.
June 29, 2009 at 9:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AMAZING (anonymous) says...
Raw Video:
Gov. Sanford Passes Through Airport
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5plz2...
June 29, 2009 at 9:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CMLMADDOG (anonymous) says...
"Gov Mark Sanford has no shame,he refused to accept Stimulus funds to improve the lives and welfare of the poor..."
That is perhaps the dumbest, most ignorant comment I believe I've ever read! Why would their lives need to be improved?! Free money taken from hard-working taxpayers sounds like a pretty sweet deal...in between slingin' a rock or two.
Why would anyone even WANT to be governor of this state?! Seems to me there's no power to do the right things with the legislature acting like spoiled five year olds. Waaaaaaah!
June 29, 2009 at 9:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CMLMADDOG (anonymous) says...
whocares51...
Please, please, PLEASE stay away from the polls on Election Days.
You are the VERY reason why this once-great country is in the quagmire it's in.
giggity.
June 29, 2009 at 9:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AMAZING (anonymous) says...
The LUV-GUV Lovenator Sanford had trade mission rendezvous
...after making a Freedom of Information Act request for documentation of Sanford's expenses and those of his traveling party, POLITICO obtained several pages of receipts from the state's Commerce Department, including a $2,310.91 bill from the Buenos Aires Hilton, where the delegation stayed for two nights.
Sanford spent an additional day and night in Buenos Aires before the rest of the delegates arrived, the Commerce Department revealed in a statement to POLITICO.
The trade mission, which Sanford led along with longtime friend and South Carolina Commerce Secretary Joe Taylor, included business development and trade meetings in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, between June 21 and June 28, 2008.
One week after its conclusion-on July 4-Sanford emailed his mistress, who has been identified by Argentine press as 43-year-old Maria Belen Shapur: "Know that I miss you. Unbeleivably (sic) hard to imagine it has been a week."
That's almost exactly the timeframe of the week-long trade mission, which included a delegation of about 30 South Carolina business and political leaders. Their agenda called for them to attend meetings in Sao Paulo before heading to Cordoba, Argentina, for a day of "personal time," on June 24, then on to Buenos Aires on June 25 for more meetings.
Taylor's spokeswoman Kara Borie in a statement issued Thursday afternoon confirmed that Sanford skipped the Cordoba leg and instead went straight to Buenos Aires "for official state meetings."
The trade delegation "did not accompany the Governor to the meetings in Argentina,"
FULL STORY:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/...
CHECK OUT RECEIPTS:
POLITICO obtained several pages of RECEIPTS:
http://www.politico.com/static/PPM130...
June 29, 2009 at 9:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
George (anonymous) says...
South Carolinians have physical and Biblical reactions to the Sanford saga, referring to vomiting and divining what is Christian.
If Sanford were your gardener, had had sex with your spouse, and then went AWOL on his gardening duties, what would you do? Vomit? Examine his and your Christian values? I think you'd fire him, yes?
June 29, 2009 at 10:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Mabilene (anonymous) says...
By George Yes!
June 30, 2009 at 12:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Sandy37 (anonymous) says...
Posted by Lovely_One on June 29, 2009 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"I am sure that the people who created this mess are a bit disappointed that they failed to get him out of office"
"[T]he people who created this mess" are Gov. Sanford and his mistress. Let's keep that part straight.
I guess I should have been a little more specific. I am sure that the people who brought this to the forefront of the news are a bit disappointed that they failed to get him out of office. When you expect GREAT MORALITY from the people you elect to office you usually get disappointed, we should always elected the smartest people to office, not the most christen. That has been the failings of this movement.
June 30, 2009 at 10:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bobbylee (anonymous) says...
Hey Y'all,
What part of "dereliction of duty", "misappropriation of public funds", "embezzlement" lying and just plain totally "impaired judgment" are y'all having trouble with?
What is this? Sanford's new fiscally responsible strategy? We withdraw the charges against all the thieves in SC, if they give the money back when they got caught? We then save a ton of money on jail and legal expenses?
What are y'all doing defending a guy that presides over an education system that ranks 50th out of fifty states, an unemployment rate that, today, is only slightly higher than Michigan and has sucked for the last seven years before this and routinely embarasses our state with his goofy ideology that totally ignores reality. Anyone notice that his vetoes are a joke and his stimulus escapade made him (and us)a laughing stock of the world.
Not to mention, how do you trust a guy when his own wife and kids can't trust him?
C'mon, y'all. Let's get our self respect back and dump this flake.
June 30, 2009 at 11:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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