IMPEACHMENT: Measure to oust Sanford blocked; Harrell says now isn't time

COLUMBIA -- An effort to begin impeaching Gov. Mark Sanford was turned aside Tuesday when House Speaker Bobby Harrell rejected the action during a special session.

Rep. Greg Delleney, R-Chester, tried to introduce a resolution that would call for Sanford to be forced out of office for his week-long disappearance from the state in June to spend time with his mistress in Argentina.

Harrell, R-Charleston, said accepting the resolution would set a precedent that is contrary to the limited terms under which the Legislature is meeting this week.

Legislators returned to the Statehouse on Tuesday to fix an oversight that has blocked tens of millions of dollars in unemployment benefits from reaching out-of-work South Carolinians.

The Legislature also is trying to pass new economic development incentives to land a major deal that could result in the creation of at least 3,800 jobs.

Harrell said he will allow legislation to be pre-filed in mid-November. After that, Harrell will assign the legislation to committees that could begin work in advance of the Legislature's return in January.

Delleney said he plans to pre-file the impeachment resolution.

Sanford's travel records and campaign reimbursements are being investigated by the State Ethics Commission, which expects to complete its work in early November.

House leaders want the members to wait on that investigation to see if impeachment is merited. Sanford is challenging whether the House can access that report before the state Supreme Court.

Delleney's pitch on the House floor was the only time the issue of impeachment was raised Tuesday.

His resolution accuses Sanford of serious misconduct, saying he:

• Failed to be in communication with chain of command.
• Evaded State Law Enforcement Division agents assigned to his security detail.
• Directed his staff in a manner that caused them to mislead the public as to his whereabouts.
• Brought dishonor to the office and shame to the state.

Delleney said he was disappointed that the resolution couldn't be immediately filed, but he understood that Harrell was motivated to do what he felt was best.

"I respect the speaker, respect his ruling," Delleney said.

Reach Yvonne Wenger at 803-926-7855 or ywenger@postandcourier.com.