Still the governor

Gov. Mark Sanford ended any speculation about his plans to resign on Sunday when he declared, with finality, that he would remain for the rest of his term. That won't end demands by his legislative critics for his resignation in the wake of his extramarital affair. But it provides a measure of reality about their prospects. Like the governor, they should make the best of a difficult situation.

The governor has 18 months left in his term, and has expressed his intention of working with "a real spirit of humility" next legislative session. That would be a novel approach that could benefit the state — if legislators recommit to a better working relationship, as well.

The governor's decision not to resign means that Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer won't get the opportunity for a mid-term upgrade to the Governor's Mansion. That should be welcome news to the other candidates who hope to run for the office and would prefer not to face a candidate with the edge of incumbency. The lieutenant governor has been expected to run for governor.

But Mr. Bauer also has offered to finish out Gov. Sanford's term and forego running for the office in 2010. The suggestion was made, he told CNN, to "get the politics out of it."

Mr. Bauer, who has previously resisted calling for Mr. Sanford's resignation, seemed more amenable to the idea in his interview.

"We are at an impasse now because it's all about 2010 and the next governor's race, and I don't see anyone being an adult," Mr. Bauer said.

Despite the self-inflicted damage sustained by Gov. Sanford, we believe he should finish out the term to which he was elected.

The governor's relationship with the Legislature has been difficult over the last six years, in part, because of his inflexible approach. That was evident in the last session's bitter impasse over federal stimulus money, which the courts finally forced Mr. Sanford to request.

The governor's critics complained that his position on the stimulus funding was driven by his national political ambitions. Since it is unlikely that Mr. Sanford will ever be a politically viable candidate again, those ambitions won't be a distraction for the remainder of his term.

Gov. Sanford had a major reform agenda when he took office. It included reorganizing government, streamlining state operations and cutting costs. The public support for that agenda was evident in his two statewide election victories.

Any major achievement during the remainder of his term is highly unlikely, given Mr. Sanford's diminished standing in the state. But the governor's intention of approaching the Legislature with hat in hand next session offers an opportunity to advance needed reforms that will benefit his successor, and the state.