Senator To Call For SLED Investigation Of Governor
The agency charged with protecting S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford could end up investigating him – at least if one of the governor’s longtime political rivals has his way.
S.C. Sen. Jake Knotts – who has fought against Sanford’s reform agenda for the last six-and-a-half years – will ask the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to investigate the governor’s actions in connection with his admitted affair with an Argentine woman, Maria Belen Chapur.
Ironically, SLED is the agency charged with providing executive protection to the governor – which means it is the agency he eluded last week when he traveled to Argentina to meet his lover.
Knotts’ will reportedly ask SLED (in conjunction with S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster’s office) to investigate Sanford’s apparent use of taxpayer resources to further the affair and the “cover-up,” i.e. whether or not he asked members of his staff to lie about his whereabouts in connection with the affair. Knotts also wants to know or not Sanford violated any laws in refusing to turn power over to Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer when he left the country.
In other words, the witch hunt has officially begun.
Calls to SLED Chief Reggie Lloyd were not immediately returned.
Comments
By Bill on June 26th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
When will someone investigate Knotts? He has “cop” friends in every major, and some minor departments in SC…and he looks at all the info he wants regardless of if it is legal to do so or not.
I am all for witch hunts…but they go both ways.
By MB on June 26th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
People of Lexington can we please vote out Sen. Jake Knotts. Anybody other than that fat ass Boss Hog. I’am begging ya.
By Musketeer on June 26th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
I’m not defending the Governor’s actions at all, he was wrong and he needs to pay for it somehow. But it’s pretty clear that Jakie and to some extent Andre are trying to push him out. Jakie’s probably pushing harder because of his longtime animosity toward Sanford, and he’s been Andre’s biggest backer for a long time. Andre doesn’t have the same burning dislike of Sanford Jakie does; he just has ambition and sees Sanford and a contested 2010 primary as being in the way of it. You’d think other legislators would be more active on this, but they’re not. Jakie’s on a mission, and he’s willing to push the rock all the way up the hill by himself if he has to.
By Pat Hendrix on June 26th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Sanford has one thing working in his favor: Jake Knotts is the dumbest bastard in the entire legislature, which we all know is no small accomplishment.
By bo on June 26th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
i wish jakie’s fat head would collapse in on itself
By John Goldstone on June 26th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Witch hunt?
More like Bit&* Hunt.
Sanford abused his office. Misappropriated taxpayer funds. Went AWOL. Preached about prayer and fidelity.
All while lying and dogging, cheating on his wife, disgracing his four sons and the good people of South Carolina.
There’s more to this story than a “witch hunt,” however much you’d like to believe that.
By justsaynotojoe on June 26th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Jake, with over thirty-five years of law enforcement experience, calls on SLED to investigate Sanford. Way to paint Director Lloyd into a corner. Why didn’t he call for an FBI investigation or maybe Lexington County Sheriff’s Office. Watch out Director Lloyd.
By A. South Carolina Dead Politician on June 26th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Ring around the Rosie…
The Plotters are circling their prey and since they are higher up the food chain, pre-selected SLED associates will dance to their tune.
This is not about Sanford and his fall from grace; this is about who sit’s in the Governor’s Mansion in 2010. Sanford was already a lame duck who couldn’t get along with the boys. No surprise there.
So, while Andre Bauer measures the Mansion for curtains and calls in HGTV for a makeover, who is in the shadows to benefit?
Let’s play this out:
#1) Sanford resigns. SLED already has been told the final chapter; it just has to invent or connect the DOTS. Mark just needs to turn out the lights.
#2) Governor ‘Speed Racer’ Andre moves in; and gives out more blankets than ever before.
#3) Opps! Someone finds out some dirt or rumor of dirt on Andre! Imagine that! Call in SLED to save the day with another textbook investigation.
#4) Andre survives but the innuendo and smoke and smear hurt his prospects in the Primary next year.
#5) A ‘Law and Order Candidate’ wins the primary with promises to uphold the virtue of the Holy Sovereign State of South Carolina, widows and orphans! Hoorah!
Now, does anyone smell Quinn and Associates? Or is it someone else behind the curtain of Oz?
Maybe Andre should start singing “Forgive Mark Sanford” tunes.
Andre’s chances in 2010 might be better by staying put right where he is now.
Ashes, ashes…we all fall down…
By MB on June 26th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
*Attention* John Goldstone
“the good people of South Carolina.” Hell, Half of the good people of South Carolina are probably cheating on spouses. So don’t go overboard with the histrionics.
By Phil on June 26th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Burn him at the stake…let’s bring back the inquisition. But, Mark, please resign first! We really need you gone! And, I beleive the people of SC are due a full accounting. If, MS had not been caught, he never would have admitted to it. Why should he? He’s a “sorry sot” and an embarrassment to the State. However, personally, I do not think he’ll resign. This is the same idiot that brought pigs into the Statehouse. He actually thinks he’s funny.
By James the Foot Soldier on June 26th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Pat – finally – we agree on one thing – Senator Knotts has been a waste of sperm since his conception.
By Greg Shenaut on June 26th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
I’m surprised they aren’t already investigating. Why wouldn’t they investigate this? If the governor wants to clear his name, HE should be insisting on a thorough, objective investigation.
By South Crackalackie on June 27th, 2009 at 7:48 am
So whats Jakie going to do about the “untimely” death of Jennifer Evans, nothing? Where is out hero now, Jakieman; Mr. Law Enforcement. What happened with her Jakie, come on, give it up. Sir, may I offer you some cheesecake? Folks, you don’t know Jakie. You don’t want to know Jakie. Obey, or you know what. Get used to it.
Calls to SLED Chief Reggie Lloyd, Esq. were not returned.
south@crack.jakie.sc.gov
By Jen on June 27th, 2009 at 8:25 am
Jake needs to be investigated by the state Ethics Commission for taking more PAC $$$ than allowed by state law. I know the trade association I worked for in the late 90’s gave him $$$ whenever he came into the office asking for it and it exceeded the amount allowed by state law.