'It's behind me,' Sanford says of probe

As Gov. Mark Sanford left a morning meeting of the S.C. Captive Insurance Association, a worker at the Charleston Place Hotel greeted him warmly, saying, "Hang in there now."

Sanford said he intends to do just that.

The State Ethics Commission is investigating his use of state airplanes, his flying business class and whether he properly reported flights on private planes.

The commission's findings are expected to determine whether the S.C. House proceeds with impeaching him. Business leaders and others have expressed a desire for the drama to wrap up this year -- before the General Assembly returns for its next session.

Sanford has defended his travel, in part by noting that other governors' travel has cost state taxpayers far more.

Asked Tuesday when he hopes or expects to see the commission's findings, Sanford did not specify a date.

"It is behind me. I'm talking to Captives today. I'm going by the Ports Authority in just a moment," he said. "I've got my regular office hours tonight."

Sanford disagreed with the notion that he is governing under a cloud because of the commission's probe.

"It's not clouding that guy's view," he said, referring to the hotel worker. "Come with me. Walk with me down a street, and you'll be amazed as I am, given the headlines that these people have read through, at the response of people. So no, I don't think it's some cloud hanging over that guy's head any more than it is mine. I think some people would like to create it as a cloud and keep it over my head every day. That's not what I'm going to do."

Asked whether he fears the investigation or the lawmakers' response could disrupt the upcoming legislation session, "It's as disruptive as my opponents want to make it."

Reach Robert Behre at 937-5771 or at rbehre@postandcourier.com.