Resignation Rumblings Mount
After momentarily salvaging his political present – if not his future, S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford did considerable damage to his tenuous hold on power yesterday by apparently failing to recognize the difference between an on-the-record interview with the world’s largest news organization and a private therapy session.
In a disastrous interview granted to the Associated Press over the course of two days, Sanford unloaded his heart in a way that may have chased some inner demons, but unleashed a veritable torrent of outer ones.
Seriously, if you thought last week’s confessional was bizarre – it had nothing on this one.
Like a schoolboy pining for his lost love, Sanford called his affair with Argentine Maria Belen Chapur a “love story,” referring to her as his “soul mate.” He waxed incessantly about spiritual journeys, interpersonal conflicts and several other fatalistic dichotomies that are obviously circling inside his burdened mind.
Then, in perhaps one of the most widely-gasped at remarks of the interview, the governor said that he was … get this … trying to “fall back in love” with his wife.
Yeah … good luck with all that.
More damaging politically, however, the governor contradicted statements made at his first confessional regarding the number of times he had seen Chapur on taxpayer-funded trips. He also for the first time admitted dalliances with other women.
The aftermath of the debacle was swift and furious.
S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster, who had previously declined to look into Sanford’s mixing of business with pleasure (literally), yesterday requested that the State Law Enforcement Division conduct an investigation into the governor’s travel expenses.
As of midnight last night, at least a dozen State Senators had called on Sanford to resign – including Majority Leader Harvey Peeler and one of the governor’s closest ideological allies, Sen. Larry Grooms. Additionally, the Greenville News issued a stinging editorial Tuesday afternoon in the wake of Sanford’s confessional.
“Gov. Sanford could have told the truth last week without feeling the need for what appeared to be a full-blown, cover-all-bases confessional,” the News editorial reads. “He then could have begun trying to repair his two broken oaths: one to his wife and one to his state. And on the latter, he could have thrown himself into his elected job as chief executive of this state and focused on mending fences with legislators, rebuilding this state’s shattered economy and ending the exhausting drama so long associated with his time in the Governor’s Office.”
Wowzers.
“Instead, he’s acted like a heart-sick school boy, and he’s revealed facts that clearly demonstrate he is capable of exceptional deception, arrogance and narcissism,” the editorial continues. “And in his updated confessionals, Sanford has left little doubt that he is not the man many state residents, including many who agree with him politically, thought he was.”
That’s true. Tragically so, in fact.
“Governor TMI,” one website joked.
Sources tell FITS to expect a flood of additional resignation calls from S.C. politicians today, which at this point isn’t surprising.
Seriously, how did the worm turn so quickly here? What in the world possessed Sanford to go down this road?
Over the weekend he appeared to have this scandal firmly in hand – if not licked altogether – and just yesterday morning the state’s two largest newspapers editorialized in favor of him staying in office.
Today, he’s back on the ropes – and it’s entirely self-inflicted.
Comments
By Sanford = Epic Failure on July 1st, 2009 at 1:45 am
What. An. Idiot.
Governor Sanford is a disgusting individual who is an embarrassment to his family, Christians everywhere, and the majority of the 4.5 Million South Carolina residents. I despise this foolish man more and more as the days go on.
Disgusted in Carolina,
Daniel S.
By Steve on July 1st, 2009 at 1:45 am
Gov, you just didn’t know when to stop. Bow out now, instead of being chased out of Columbia by a mob.
By MrB on July 1st, 2009 at 1:54 am
The guy is unwilling to actually own up, thus he is setting himself up as victim/martyr in that he will lose his office and his family–but “clearly” that’s not what he wanted, it is what God “wanted” or what was “forced” on him by others.
At the top of his to do list should be to stop disrespecting his wife and his family. I almost said stop humiliating them, but then realized he’s only humiliating himself.
By Brian on July 1st, 2009 at 2:03 am
I am not being the least bit sarcastic when I say that I’m beginning to be seriously concerned for Gov. Sanford’s mental wellness. I hope that he has not alienated *all* those close to him and that someone who cares is keeping a close watch.
By anonymous on July 1st, 2009 at 4:02 am
“And he delivered a personal check late Tuesday for nearly $3,000 to reimburse the state for a 2008 state-funded trip to Argentina during which he visited Chapur”
Three thousand dollars is not nearly enough. By the way, how did he come up with that figure? uh uh uh …let’s see …hmm, I wonder if I can get away with only giving back two-thousand …no no no ..uh uh uh how about twenty-five hundred? …uh..uh uh uh …I know, three thousand dollars will keep everyone quiet …that’s it! three thousand! Will you take three-thousand? Take it! Take it! …that’s the least I can do! …even-stevens, right? we good? yeah man we good! you’re good and I’m good and everybody’s good … wew, I’m glad that’s taken care of.
Now, by the way, there are other women, lots of them. Now, listen, I need to settle up on this one. While I have my check book out and I’m writing checks, how much do I need to write this check for? uh uh uh …now, keep in mind, I didn’t have sex with any of them …uh uh uh …now remember that, I crossed the line uh ..uh uh but not very far, okay? uh uh uh
Now, as far as Chapur, were cool on that one because she is my soul-mate, got that? SOUL-MATE!
We be cool, hey hey hey …does anyone know if I have any frequent flyer miles left? I would really like to go to Argentina about now, just to blow off a little steam with the boys you know, with this stressful job and all ….uh uh uh …will someone please get Delta SkyMiles people on the phone? …hurry …hurry up!
XOXOXOXO
By rick beltram on July 1st, 2009 at 5:19 am
Will:
You words are 100% correct.
It is all so tragic!
Rick Beltram
By ethel krabitz on July 1st, 2009 at 6:18 am
Hank Williams said it so well,
“Your cheatin’ heart will make you weep
You’ll cry and cry and try to sleep
But sleep won’t come the whole night through
Your cheatin’ heart will tell on you”
the man has lost his freaking mind. shut up already, and do us all the favor of disappearing to Argentina.
By Nate on July 1st, 2009 at 6:33 am
This man obviously has a political death wish… and I think the end is very near.
By BLBarBob on July 1st, 2009 at 7:21 am
At this point it’s just pathetic and sad.
It’s not even fun to poke a stick at him
anymore. My prediction: He’ll resign and
Bauer will surprise us with how well he
handles his new position. And in 2010
the voting age morons of this state will
elect another fraud and disappointment as
governor. Ah, the wheel of fortune just
keeps turning, as always.
By Geeny on July 1st, 2009 at 7:27 am
I have NO sympathy for this fool. None.
By Old Bike Dude on July 1st, 2009 at 7:53 am
Hell No we won’t go… ooops
Hey hey ho ho Casanova Sanford has to go.
By exteach4 on July 1st, 2009 at 8:33 am
Can we get him to leave today? There are no limits for him with regard to embarrassing his wife, children and this state. He definitely has his priorities in the wrong order.
For a good chuckle, enjoy this parody — “Nothing could be finer”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAFeLTchV8c
By Phil on July 1st, 2009 at 8:43 am
Very foolish. But, also very sad that he does not have a staffer that could keep him in line. I guess now we see what happens when Jenny is out of the picture.
As for a Andre becoming Governor. I’m afraid this will be even more of an embarrassment. Way too many colorful skeletons in his closet.
Where is “States Rights Gist” when you need him?
By votedwrong on July 1st, 2009 at 8:45 am
CLEARLY WE ELECTED THE WRONG SANFORD! The first duty of any elected official is to serve us with dignity and honor. Jenny Sanford has demonstrated she is a class act while “pants-on-fire” has made us a laughing stock throughout the world. Next time “Off-the-Mark” disappears, we’ll know he’s just gotten on board his SOUL TRAIN!
By Low Country Swamp Fox on July 1st, 2009 at 8:45 am
The Low Country Senators will ask today for him to step down in a letter to Sanford except for Davis who is now in major trouble becasue of the whole mess.
By Trey on July 1st, 2009 at 8:51 am
I think he is in the sweet spot of public opinion, because it all rings so true. This is a much more real confession that his first. He clearly could not throw his love “under the truck” and his relationship with his wife is spent. In my opinion Mrs. Sanford has major responsibility here. She failed to support him in a pressure cooker job to the point that he sought other women, then when he tried to find his way back, she was only to be found with her children. A man and women’s first obligation is to their own relationship first. The kids come after that relationship is kept alive. Mrs. Sanford lost sight of that and Sanford fell in love with someone else, and can not turn his back on that reality.
By yarrrrr on July 1st, 2009 at 9:02 am
STFU trey…
By jrush on July 1st, 2009 at 9:22 am
I am just waiting to drive by the State House to see the littered signs of a female revolt in our state! With each passing day I am surprised that we are yet to see men’s clothing..trousers, shirts, shoes, boxers, scattered across the lawn in front of the Confederate memorial with a handwritten poster board sign on a stake that reads “and don’t come back”! OOOPs, I think I just gave someone an idea! Meanwhile women all across the state are signing an on-line support web page for Jenny Sanford! I have posted a link to the page here: http://www.975wcos.com/pages/Jonathonrush.html
By Recovering Lobbyist on July 1st, 2009 at 9:33 am
This whole thing reminds me of the Jim Holderman episode.
Obviously we have all missed the signals, writing off his antics as eccentric. I think the Governor has been spinning out of control for some time, we just didn’t see it. In my opinion it is too late for him to salvage himself. He needs to spare the state what Illinois went through with their Governor a few months ago.
It may be different, what happened in Illinois, but it is not different. Governor Sanford is embarrassing our state.
Mark, PLEASE resign.
By LexingtonLady55 on July 1st, 2009 at 9:45 am
I just read in the NY Times that Gov. Sanford first met his wife in the Hamptons – how insulting to take Maria there – and am really curious as to where they stayed – perhaps Mr. Rich’s home?
By poser on July 1st, 2009 at 9:51 am
By the way. He did not just become and idiot. His policies and his stances for all six years were driven by his desire to help himself in power just like he had affairs to inflate his inner self.
This is like GW. Unfortunately, it takes 5-7 years for the public to realize my former party, the republican party, was built this decade on people who played the part well, but do not walk the walk.
I think Obama’s policies are very dangerous, but at least he is what he says he is.
By Anon on July 1st, 2009 at 9:54 am
Trey:
YGBSM!
Thanks for your indulgence,
Anon
By Ben on July 1st, 2009 at 9:57 am
Hopefully he will soon have his period.
By proudofsc on July 1st, 2009 at 9:59 am
Will, I respect your comments in the news today, and I admire your calling for him to resign. Having said that, will you please investigate the other women with whom he has “crossed the line.” Rumors of a local legislator who went on the China trip have been floating for months now. I discounted it when I first heard it, but now, I am thinking there is possibly some truth to it.( If there is something, bet she is holding her breath)
By yarrrrr on July 1st, 2009 at 10:06 am
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jul/01/sanford-says-he-crossed-lines-in-marriage/
he tricked a woman into thinking he wasn’t married in 1995 on a trade mission…
To Jenny: leave him… it’s over… you can’t take back a guy who tells the whole world his mistress is his soul mate… you’re going to have to be the one that takes the initiative… he is self destructive because he wants to be rejected… he wants to be told he is divorced and he wants impeached…
To Mark: you are a narcissistic coward… if you would have asked for a divorce before your idiotic trip you could have had your “soul mate”, contact with your kids, and your political career… instead you are bound to lose all of that and bring pain and shame to anyone who’s ever associated with you…
By BC on July 1st, 2009 at 10:07 am
Initially, I had composed a psychological assessment based on what I have seen and read related to the governor’s actions at this point in time. Instead of posting on this forum lets examine the facts for what it is. Gov. Sanford…you are hurting the GOP! While SC is a GOP strong hold it is other parts of the nation that are experiencing a reduction in confidence and trust for the party as a whole. Take a close look at the county by county vote from the 2008 Presidential election. Many counties that were GOP strong holds turned blue. Also, take a glance at such states as Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, New Mexico, and Florida that swung the Democrats into power. Is this a sign of things to come for the GOP?
By To Will Folks on July 1st, 2009 at 10:14 am
Will Folks:
Will you be following up on the women Sanford said he “crossed lines” with but not the “ultimate line” and what those two terms exactly mean?
Also, why does SLED chief Lloyd seem to act like he’s covering up for Sanford. He said they’ll have the investigation complete in a “couple of days”. Hmmmm that reminds me of how Iran claims they counted 4 million votes in 4 hours!!!
By WANTED: A South Carolina State Representative with a pair on July 1st, 2009 at 10:14 am
H. _________.
Introduced by Representative _______________________________.
RESOLUTION
Impeaching Marshall Clement Sanford, Jr., Governor of the State of South Carolina, for serious misconduct.
Resolved, That Marshall Clement Sanford, Jr., Governor of the State of South Carolina, is impeached for serious misconduct, and that the following articles of impeachment be exhibited to the South Carolina Senate.
Articles of impeachment exhibited by the South Carolina House of Representatives in the name of itself and the people of the State of South Carolina, against Mark Sanford, Governor of the State of South Carolina, in maintenance and support of its impeachment against him fr serious misconduct.
ARTICLE I
In his conduct while Governor of the State of South Carolina, Marshall Clement Sanford, Jr., in violation of his constitutional oath faithfully to execute the office of Governor of South Carolina and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the State of South Carolina, has misappropriated state funds in that:
(1) On June 21 – 28, 2009, while on a taxpayer-financed trade mission to South America, Marshall Clement Sanford, Jr. diverted state monies and resources for the purpose of visiting his mistress in Argentina. Marshall Clement Sanford, Jr. deceived the people of the State of South Carolina in order to continue concealing his misconduct and to escape accountability for such misconduct.
ARTICLE II
In his conduct while Governor of the State of South Carolina, Marshall Clement Sanford, Jr., in violation of his constitutional oath faithfully to execute the office of Governor of South Carolina and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the State of South Carolina, willfully made false and misleading statements to members of his staff and aides, so that these State employees would repeat such false and misleading statements publicly, thereby utilizing public resources for the purpose of deceiving the people of the State of South Carolina, in order to continue concealing his misconduct and to escape accountability for such misconduct. The false and misleading statements made by Marshall Clement Sanford, Jr. to members of his staff members and aides were repeated by those staff members and aides, causing the people of the South Carolina to receive false and misleading information from high government officials.
ARTICLE III
In his conduct while Governor of the State of South Carolina, Marshall Clement Sanford, Jr., in violation of his constitutional oath faithfully to execute the office of Governor of South Carolina and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the State of South Carolina, abandoned his office and the duties and responsibilities thereof, leaving the State of South Carolina and the United States of American without notice to law enforcement officials, members of the General Assembly, members of his Cabinet and members of his staff, launching a Constitutional crisis and leaving the State of South Carolina without a Chief Executive for a period of at least four (4) days.
In all of this, Marshall Clement Sanford, Jr. has undermined the integrity of his office, has brought disrepute on the Governorship, has betrayed his trust as Governor, and has acted in a negligent manner regarding his responsibilities and duties as the Chief Magistrate of South Carolina.
Wherefore, Marshall Clement Sanford, Jr., by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the State of South Carolina.
______________________________
State of South Carolina
In the House of Representatives
Columbia, South Carolina
July 1, 2009
By newzjunkie on July 1st, 2009 at 10:18 am
You wrote: “Seriously, how did the worm turn so quickly here? What in the world possessed Sanford to go down this road?”
Answer: Never under estimate the power of a woman! Especially one with curves…
You know, not everyone has them…curves, that is!
By w on July 1st, 2009 at 10:34 am
anyone else find it hilarious that the assclown of SC Rick Beltram is chiming in?
By liz on July 1st, 2009 at 10:36 am
I think Sanford is saving his life. I believe he needed the stimulus money to pay someone off. I know that sounds bizarre but leaving the country without a phone is more bizarre when you are a Governor.
He is desperate to call attention to himself.
Why do that? TO SAVE YOUR LIFE> TO SAVE YOUR KIDS LIVES> TO KEEP THE SPOTLIGHT>
critical thinking skills are necessary to decipher this situation.
think clearly people.
Nothing is politics is unplanned NOTHING no extramartial affairs or confessions, No trips, etc.
THINK PEOPLE THINK
MORE IS GOING ON THAN YOU KNOW
By w on July 1st, 2009 at 10:39 am
Gobernador Sanford, te amo tanto. Gracias por declarar tu amor para mí a través del alambre mundial del AP del periódico. Eso significa tanto más a mí que un email estúpido. Espero que guardes el golpear de tu familia, ellos soy el enemigo. Quisiera que guardaras el hablar y el dejar de la gente del SC saber lo que un poco comparte el amor nosotros. Mantener eso ascendente y estarás detrás en mis brazos en la sala de baile en ninguna hora.
Mucho amor y afecto,
Maria
By Derek on July 1st, 2009 at 11:14 am
Come on Liz
By ts on July 1st, 2009 at 11:21 am
From page A4 — last line of story continued as “GOVERNOR FROM PAGE A1″
“I will be able to die knowing that I had met my soul mate.”
============
Now, I can believe a political death wish, but not a plain old death wish.
Not from a narcissist. Just a manipulative sympathy ploy?
By SCCON on July 1st, 2009 at 11:23 am
Pienso que este website es lleno de chistosos. Especialmente el FITS!
By flipnut on July 1st, 2009 at 11:24 am
One more time, everyone say “President Sanford”
You can still buy the swag Will was pimping back in May here.
http://www.zazzle.com/sanford2012
By ts on July 1st, 2009 at 11:35 am
>More coffee ingested<
That quote was in The State newspaper this A.M.
By sic shillie on July 1st, 2009 at 11:48 am
mark sanford treats the people of SC with all the disrespect and disdain that, say, a colonial british viceroy treated the natives over whom he reigned. his attitude of entitlement and priviledge above the common standard is jaw dropping. this public meltdown is a once in a lifetime phenomenon. you cant make this stuff up.
By Barney Fife on July 1st, 2009 at 12:14 pm
If anyone in Sanford’s cabinet would have done what he has done, they would have been fired on the spot.
If a SC Senator would have been caught doing the same thing, he would have stood up and require their resignation.
This is total hypocrisy.
By stephen on July 1st, 2009 at 1:28 pm
You said — “Seriously, how did the worm turn so quickly here? What in the world possessed Sanford to go down this road?”
Methinks he probably wishes he had gone done another trail. Like the actual Appalachian Trail.
By Pointy Headed Liberal on July 1st, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Everyone is missing the obvious.
Your Love Gov is excecuting his 2012 strategy, namely increasing his name familiarity with voters from sea to shining sea. Destroying his marriage in the most public manner is part of that master plan.
Mark Sanford’s first press conference/confession was a brilliant tactic. BUT then the sudden death of Michael Jackson was even more shocking (especially to people who didn’t know Sanford from the hole he’s digging for himself) and sucked all the oxygen out of the news cycle.
However, the Love Gov has once again seized the media spotlight, thanks to his second, even more explosive confessional. With impact that whenever the name Michael Jackson is mentioned, that of Mark Sanford is not far behind!
By Not Sayin', Just Sayin' on July 1st, 2009 at 4:43 pm
How can the GA impeach Sanford now when they’re not in session until January (can come back to deal with certain revenue shortfalls/budget cuts until then, but that’s all)?
By BT on July 1st, 2009 at 5:57 pm
This is crazy. I think Sanford is heads above Bauer. He got caught speeding at over 100 miles an hour. Does he have a sexual preference? I think Sanford is pouring his heart out, trying to be honest. I beg his wife to move back with him and support him, with the boys. His past and his future are with her. He may not have gone to Argentina if she hadn’t left him with the boys. Why did she do that. He had nothing once she took the children and herself away and said he should not contact her. Her job is to hold the family together. This family belongs together. Go home Jenny and hold on to your family. He is hurting right now, he is trying to do the right thing, and you are his past and his only future. You and the boys go home and help him get through this.
By KMO on July 1st, 2009 at 7:16 pm
I don’t think Jenny Sanford should have left her husband and told him not to contact her or the children during this time. He was all alone and went to Argentina. I don’t know the circumstances but it seems it wasn’t in the best interest of holding the family together.
By James the Foot Soldier on July 1st, 2009 at 7:30 pm
This just in:
Two Men and a Truck dispatched to Mount Pleasant – 30 year old socks, frayed khakis, bicylcle, 2 pigs, and an “Argentina is for Lovers” bumper sticker were tranported to Governor’s Mansion in Columbia.
By Charles on July 1st, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Oh Yes Jenny, please go home. Home to where you can live in the potential future maybe love of a man who is willing to suffer the loss of his real soul mate and take a giant leap of faith by trying to fall in love with you again.
By CLE on July 1st, 2009 at 7:49 pm
People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. What goes around comes around. Never been a fan of Sanford, but why replace dumb with dumber?
Wouldn’t it be the ultimate revenge on the legislators for Sanford to spill his guts on his affair so that his critics would open themselves up only to perjure themselves?
By Chuck on July 1st, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Yea Jenny, I agree, go home. Mark is a truly magnanimous man. Many men would have never given you a second chance to earn their love.