Advancing on the ethics front

The State Ethics Commission's determination of probable cause in Gov. Sanford's case has been variously interpreted as a vindication by his attorney and a reason to proceed with impeachment by his detractors. More accurately, it's just too soon to say.

But more will be known next week when the governor's attorney releases the Ethics Commission's report. Making that public will resolve one complaint from the governor's critics.

Gov. Sanford's attorney, Butch Bowers, says that the commission found no wrongdoing with 97 percent of the flights that were reviewed. Meanwhile, 98 percent of campaign expenditures were found in "complete compliance with the law."

By that accounting, there still would be ethical questions about 24 flights -- not an insubstantial figure. Thirteen specific campaign expenditures also would be at issue, based on Mr. Bowers' estimates.

Complaints against the governor contend he misused state aircraft and got commercial flight upgrades in violation of state law. They followed revelations about Mr. Sanford's extramarital affair with an Argentine woman and his related disappearance from the state in June .

Mr. Bowers insists that the commission's findings will show that the governor "has been a good steward of public resources."

Don't tell that to Rep. Greg Delleney, who is leading the charge to have the governor removed from office. The Chester Republican said Wednesday that the findings of probable cause should bolster the case for impeachment -- even though he thinks there are already sufficient grounds for the Legislature to move forward.

Rep. Delleney says that the governor's five-day absence from the state amounts to a dereliction of duty.

A House panel is expected to begin review of the commission's report next week. Even if it finds reason to proceed, the impeachment process should await the commission's final ruling.

That would, in effect, give the governor his day in court and spare the process from being tainted by the personal and political rancor that is evident among some representatives.

The January hearing is just around the corner and will virtually coincide with the Legislature's return to session.

There's no reason to rush to judgment on impeachment, even if some of the governor's opponents have already made up their minds.