Fallout

S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford’s shocking admission of marital infidelity – and the public airing of private emails associated with it – has sparked a veritable torrent of reaction.

Here’s a collection of statements released yesterday, starting with the governor’s own …

First and foremost, I apologize to my wife and my four boys. I have made decisions that have hurt and will continue to hurt them, and for that I’m sincerely sorry. Jenny has stood by me through campaign after campaign, through hard time after hard time, and neither she nor the boys deserve this. Please offer them your prayers.

I apologize to my staff. I misled them about my whereabouts, and as a result the people of South Carolina believed something that wasn’t true. I want to make absolutely clear that over the past two days at no time did anyone on my staff intentionally relay false information to other state officials or the public at large. What they’ve said over the past two days they believed to be true, and I’m sorry to them for putting them in this position.

I apologize to the people of South Carolina. There are many people out there right now who are hurt, angry and disappointed with me, and rightfully so. Over the time that I have left in office, I’m going to devote my energy to building back the trust the people of this state have placed in me.

I ask for your forgiveness, and your prayers for everyone who I’ve hurt.

^^^ Mark Sanford, Official Statement

I believe wholeheartedly in the sanctity, dignity and importance of the institution of marriage. I believe that has been consistently reflected in my actions. When I found out about my husband’s infidelity I worked immediately to first seek reconciliation through forgiveness, and then to work diligently to repair our marriage. We reached a point where I felt it was important to look my sons in the eyes and maintain my dignity, self-respect, and my basic sense of right and wrong. I therefore asked my husband to leave two weeks ago.

This trial separation was agreed to with the goal of ultimately strengthening our marriage. During this short separation it was agreed that Mark would not contact us. I kept this separation quiet out of respect of his public office and reputation, and in hopes of keeping our children from just this type of public exposure. Because of this separation, I did not know where he was in the past week.

I believe enduring love is primarily a commitment and an act of will, and for a marriage to be successful, that commitment must be reciprocal. I believe Mark has earned a chance to resurrect our marriage.

Psalm 127 states that sons are a gift from the Lord and children a reward from Him. I will continue to pour my energy into raising our sons to be honorable young men. I remain willing to forgive Mark completely for his indiscretions and to welcome him back, in time, if he continues to work toward reconciliation with a true spirit of humility and repentance.

^^^ Jenny Sanford, Official Statement

On the personal front, today’s news is neither a Republican nor Democrat issue. It is sad that any family suffers like this, particularly when it is played out on a public stage.

Effective, responsive, and responsible government is a hallmark of our party. Conservative leaders have earned and kept the trust of South Carolina’s majority for many years, and I will make every effort to ensure our party keeps that trust.

In the hours and days ahead, I will reach out to and work with Republican office-holders, candidates, and activists to regain public confidence and win the next round of elections.

^^^ Karen Floyd, SCGOP Chairwoman

Our thoughts are with the Governor’s family at this time. Mark Sanford should be given time to focus on his family right now. There will be many opportunities in the days ahead to discuss his effectiveness as our state’s governor.

^^^ Carol Fowler, SC Democratic Party Chairwoman

I’ve been a close friend of Mark and Jenny since our election to Congress in 1994. Like all of their friends, I want the best for their family and hope they can repair the damage. I will provide any personal support I can.

Jenny and Mark have four wonderful boys. The Sanford family needs time and space to work through their challenges. I hope they are afforded that opportunity.

As for the future, I hope Mark will reconcile with his family and can continue serving as our state’s governor.

^^^ U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham

Today’s revelations are disturbing and shocking. There is no excuse for the unfortunate events that have transpired in recent days.

… For five days, the governor let his staff deceive the press and the people of South Carolina regarding where he was and what he was doing.

^^^ S.C. House Speaker Bobby Harrell

As a friend of Governor Mark Sanford’s for 30 years, and having worked for him as his former chief of staff, I am both saddened and shocked by today’s events. My thoughts and prayers are with the governor, his wife and their children during this difficult and heartbreaking time.

^^^ S.C. Sen. Tom Davis

The truth of the gospel is that there is forgiveness for our sins. And we can in turn ask for God’s help to forgive and to get through situations where we’ve sinned. I think we just have to be aware that we’re all susceptible, and as much as we can, put safeguards in our lives and relationships. And when we see the consequences of a public fall like this, it tells all of us: It could be us.

^^^ Greg Surratt, Gov. and Mrs. Sanford’s Pastor

While Governor Sanford and I have long shared a political philosophy, today’s revelations go well beyond politics. This is a tragic situation for the Sanford family and for our state. My prayers are with the Sanfords, and in particular with Jenny and the boys, and I will do anything I can to help them through this ordeal.

My work in the General Assembly and in my campaign for governor has always been centered on bringing trust and accountability back to government. One component of that is treating taxpayer dollars responsibly and changing the structure of state government so it is accountable to taxpayers. Governor Sanford has been a champion of those principles, and I admire his efforts in those areas. However, another component is behaving in a manner that allows people to trust in their public officials and feel good about their government. Obviously, the Governor has fallen far short in that regard and that is extremely unfortunate.

I will continue to bring my message of trust and accountability to the people of our state over the weeks and months ahead. More importantly, I hope to be able to help heal the wounds that have been created in South Carolina by today’s news.

^^^ S.C. Rep. Nikki Haley

We at Palmetto Family Council are saddened by this news. The traditional family, grounded in the fidelity of marriage, is the bedrock of society. Any deliberate act which contributes to the breakdown of this social cornerstone is a crime against not only those in his family but against society itself. We are shocked by these events, and yet as the voice for biblical values in public life, we are encouraged by the apparent forthrightness of Governor Sanford’s remarks, his desire to relate the truth, and the contrition with which he made his announcement.

In this difficult time for Governor Sanford’s family and for all South Carolinians, let us take this opportunity to encourage each other to be in prayer for Governor and Mrs. Sanford and their four sons.

Pray that God will begin the healing process, the reconciliation, and the restoration of their marriage … and that in all things every member of the First Family will put their family first.

^^^ Oran Smith, Palmetto Family Council

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