McMaster Calls On SLED To Investigate Sanford
In a sudden shift in his position on the scandal surrounding S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford, South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster is now asking S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to investigate “all Sanford travel records in light of new revelations,” according to a one-sentence statement released by his office this afternoon.
“In light of the governor’s disclosure of additional travel today, I have requested that SLED conduct a preliminary review of all Governor Sanford’s travel records to determine if any laws have been broken or any state funds misused,” McMaster’s one-sentence statement reads.
SLED has previously expressed little interest in launching a criminal investigation against Sanford, saying his accusers have not presented sufficient evidence that a crime took place.
“If there’s something criminal there we’re going to pursue it, but right now we don’t have anything that looks criminal,” SLED Chief Reggie Lloyd told FITS last week. “Unless they uncover something else there’s no way I could actually launch a criminal investigation, let alone bring charges.”
Lloyd’s comments were obviously issued prior to Sanford’s admission today that he saw Belen Chapur five times, not four times – as referenced in his meandering press conference last week.
It is unclear whether or not McMaster’s change in position was prompted by Sanford’s admission today that he saw his Argentine lover, Maria Belen Chapur, more times than he originally admitted – or something else.
For example, Palmetto State politicos are already speculating that a deal has been cut between S.C. Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer and McMaster involving the 2010 governor’s race.
Bauer announced yesterday that he would not seek the governor’s office in 2010 if Sanford resigned.
WEB EXTRA
Comments
By Who is? on June 30th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Does anyone know who that cowboy journalist is? He’s been at like every press conference.
By Mab on June 30th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Who is,
He does look sorta outta place, doesn’t he?
Outta time, even.
[?]
By PandaChris on June 30th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
I am glad to see McMaster do this…it is exactly what all reform minded people should be asking for.
This site used to be the FIRST ones to call for such accountability….while Will has called for Sanford to resign, in the wake of Sanford’s refusal to do so, why hasnt FITSNews called for an investigation into the use of taxpayer funds?
Does anyone believe that it the culprit had been Bobby Harrell, Andre Bauer, McMaster or any other name on Sanfrod’s list of enemies, that this site would be screaming for them to be held accountable?
By the way, I am curious about another one of Sanford’s new admissions. When he says he crossed the line with other women but never corssed the “ultimate line” is he implying that he agrees with Bill Clinton’s definition of what sexual relations is?
By Scott on June 30th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
The cowboy journalist is Tim Smith of The Greenville News
By fitsnews on June 30th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Panda-
Are you serious? What part of “Resign, Mark” did you miss?
Of course we support an investigation, but last time we interviewed the SLED Chief he said he didn’t think there should be one.
Also, where the hell where you when we’ve been busting scandals left and right on lawmakers and there’s NEVER an investigation.
-FITS
By SCCON on June 30th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Where there’s smoke . . .
By Interrloper on June 30th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
I look forward to the Luv Guv describing his ‘crossing the line’ encounters with other gal pals as what King David would have done.
By Mab on June 30th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Exactly, Will. The word “investigation” doesn’t even mean anything anymore.
###
Nice hat, Tim — I wish we WERE in another era than this one.
This would have all been settled at the saloon LAST Tuesday.
Ms. Kitty would have urged Governor Sanford to resign.
By rick beltram on June 30th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Guys:
It appears that slowly we are getting all on the same page!
Very good news!
Rick Beltram
P.S. Every day that this continues, the DEMS get a better position for 2010
By PandaChris on June 30th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Will
Yes, I read your call for him to resign.
For myself, I dont think he should resign UNLESS there is misuse of taxpayer dollars.
He is obviously in love and showing himself to be a first class hypocrite.
Unless he has misused funds, he should stay in office.
If he did misuse funds and refuses to resign, he should go to jail after he is impeached.
I personally dont understand how libertarian, reform minded people can think otherwise.
By Low Country Swamp Fox on June 30th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Quinn has let the dogs of war lose and now Mark will not even get till July 6th to do the right thing without the General Assembly pressure. The Lowcountry Senators, ALL of them mind you, are now ready to cut the cord and move on.
By w on June 30th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
when it comes to the 2010 Gov’s race….McMaster needs to make like a Catholic and pull out.
By El Jefe on June 30th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Having worn a stetson more than few times in my life, I like Mr. Smith’s style.
But he really should remove it indoors.
By Todd on June 30th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Why was McMaster slow in asking for an investigation? He had to get the results of 3 polls indicating how it would affect his own political future. Then he had to get somebody to explain it to him. Sllllooowwwwllly.
By lexintgonlady55 on June 30th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
About time!
By Bill Floyd on June 30th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Jeez – I almost feel sorry for the guy. Almost, but not quite!!!
By 9715 on July 1st, 2009 at 6:02 am
Jerry would say, and I quote, for purposes of clairty,
“And the rich man in his summer home; saying best leave well enough alone.”
0829
By Toyota Kawaski on July 1st, 2009 at 8:38 am
Can you go away with him also you louooser Rick “im all about me”Beltram.For god sakes you are a freakin county party chairman lighten up frances you have no power.
By liz on July 1st, 2009 at 10:29 am
Because McMaster and Lloyd already know what is wrong.
That is why they won’t investigate.
They have used this tactic on me until the cows MOOOOOOED
WELL THEY MOOOOOOOOOOOOED>
I promise you will find misuse of taxpayer dollars but maybe not how you imagine. It is much much worse.
FITS you want the story yet??????