He hasn't read it yet

Gov. Mark Sanford said Thursday that he has not read his wife's new book but instead has been busy working and taking care of his boys while she is away promoting "Staying True."

He said he does plan to read the book by his soon-to-be ex-wife Jenny Sanford.

The governor said he also hasn't seen much, if any, of the media appearances, including interviews with Barbara Walters and Larry King, that the first lady has done during her book tour this month.

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"She does a good job at anything she does. I haven't watched the interviews. I've been busy with the boys in the evening in her absence and work during the day," he said, "but I'll have time to soak all that in."

Jenny Sanford filed for divorce in December on the grounds of adultery. The divorce hearing is expected to be held later this month in a Charleston County courtroom.

Asked if he were bothered by the national focus on his personal relationship with his wife, Sanford replied, "It goes with the territory."

Sanford was in Charleston to speak before the St. Andrews Rotary Club, and he spent much of his 30 minutes there talking about what he hopes can be accomplished during his final year, specifically government restructuring, spending curbs, and reforming the state's Employment Security Commission.

The audience gave him a friendly, almost boisterous welcome -- Jenny's book wasn't mentioned until Sanford met with journalists outside -- and some members stayed behind to pose for pictures with him. At the beginning, Sanford grinned as Club President Jerry Craig showed his name tag to the governor, a name tag that listed Craig's profession as "Attorney -- Divorce."

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