SC First Lady Fighting For Embattled Husband

By fitsnews • on July 3, 2009

We chose not to cover S.C. First Lady Jenny Sanford’s statement yesterday for two main reasons.

First, people are growing tired of the minute-by-minute drama surrounding the admitted sexcapades of her husband, S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford. And second, Mrs. Sanford’s latest comments didn’t exactly plow any new ground in the drama.

Sure, her statement made CNN (and not just the ticker, either), but what exactly did she say that she hasn’t said already?

She loves him. She forgives him. The door’s open if he wants to come back to his family …

Great. We get it. In fact, we got it already.

Don’t get us wrong, now, as we’ve noted on several previous occasions Jenny Sanford has handed the soap opera of her husband’s admitted affair with his Argentine lover, Maria Belen Chapur, with public grace and dignity.

“Like a champion,” our founding editor told Geraldo Rivera the other night.

But how has she been handling it privately?

Sources tell FITS that the First Lady has been closely monitoring every moment of the unfolding drama with a keen strategic eye – and is actually engaging (and possibly directing) the political fight on behalf of her embattled husband.

That’s not surprising considering that Mrs. Sanford has run all of the governor’s previous political races and also served as a key strategist and policy hand in his administration, but it would be a departure from the public persona she has staked out in response to her husband’s philandering and subsequent media meltdown.

Several sources tell FITS that the First Lady – the person most humiliated by the governor’s ill-advised interview – has actually been the strongest advocate on his behalf over the last 48 hours, having several private conversations with lawmakers and other opinion leaders in the Palmetto State urging them to “hold off” on calling for the governor’s resignation.

Sources close to the governor’s office also tell FITS that Mrs. Sanford’s statement yesterday was “explicitly coordinated” with the release of a preliminary report from the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) on the governor’s travel records, a report that concluded the governor did not misuse state funds in visiting his mistress.

“Yesterday was the 1-2 response to the resignation wave,” the source said, adding that Jenny Sanford was “more than a participant” in the coordinated strategy.

Interesting.

Forget “standing by your man,” it looks like Jenny Sanford is propping hers up …

Comments

By whaleshaman on July 3rd, 2009 at 11:00 am

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=232258&title=shut-up,-mark-sanford

By 1+1=3 on July 3rd, 2009 at 11:05 am

Because that’s the only leverage she has right now – very sad

By mansejolly on July 3rd, 2009 at 11:08 am

AT&T should use that picture for one of its “More bars in more places” commercials–the sons are perfectly aligned.

By Jonathan on July 3rd, 2009 at 11:16 am

Excellent analysis. She was getting so much praise as some sort of model woman for not standing by his side during the press conf. and for putting her kids and family first, not her husband’s political career. Now she is looking more and more like another Stepford wife. In her statement she says she forgives her husband but does not really say what for. Does this forgiveness extend to his continuing to publically humiliate and embarass the First Lady of our state as late as this week in his AP interview? He is out there telling all these details about his love affair with a mistress and his emotional connection with his mistress as his soul-mate. I can’t believe that Jenny Sanford doesn’t wish she could crawl under a rock right now and stay there. I don’t believe she actually forgives him for everything he has done. That makes her statement political, and I could care less what she has to say about her husband’s political future.

By CNSYD on July 3rd, 2009 at 11:17 am

Perhaps Mrs. Sanford realizes that he is toast and the only spotlight she can continue to have is being the forgiving wife of a Governor. It is only 18 months until they are both distant memories and he is, in paticular, personna non grata at party functions

By follitics on July 3rd, 2009 at 11:24 am

Of course she’s trying to prop him up. If he spends the next 18 months mooning around the house, he’ll be back on a plane in no time. Her best hope is that he’s fully occupied with the twin jobs of running the state and begging her forgiveness.

By yarrrrr on July 3rd, 2009 at 11:35 am

It’s an extremly obvious pr maneuver… but is there ANY scenario, including DIVORCE, where she would want him out as governor? I don’t think so… with divorce she would likely want him in their for her kid’s sake… if she wants a divorce, she’s going to wait till he’s out as governor lest we get first lady tan lines… it’s very likely the calls for him to resign were coming too quickly for her and she thought it’s better to play it safe and keep him in…

I think Plan A was it’ll be ok if he gets back with jenny, that went down the tubes with the disastrous AP interview, Plan B was to go on a 60 day leave, it was too late to do that and it wouldn’t go over when calls to resign were mounting, so they went back to Plan A… the fact that they pondered Plan B makes me think that Jenny might not be all that much of a participant in this…

Does your sources have anything on this?

http://www.wolfereports.com/?p=2308

—–
There is also the allegation that Jenny has retained the services of Charleston’s Rosen Law Firm. The only confirmation we could secure is that her contact with the lawyers is for some sort of legal action, natch. It’s unknown whether it concerns divorce proceedings, though family law is one of the firm’s two specialties.
—–

Rosen Law does personal injury and family law…

By Anonymous on July 3rd, 2009 at 11:37 am

CNSYD,

She wouldn’t be craving ANY spotlight right about now. Would you?!

What is in the best interest of the father of those four boys, is what is at stake here. Fathers aren’t disposable trinkets, much as they may fancy themselves to be in their ‘pheromoned’ condition.

By jean on July 3rd, 2009 at 11:52 am

May I share a theory here everyone. Not sure if you’ve read in other media sites about this woman Maria. She’s from a very prominent family, so powerful that nobody in Argentina is willing to step forward and sell her news. Let’s look at it from this angle: Sanford did hurt her, used her even, knew he couldn’t leave his wife and family. But he cared enough to go see her again – sure that’s his ego action. After returning to all this unfolding, everyone is pointing a finger at the “other woman”, the homewrecker, etc. Can you imagine what this woman’s family is going through. Her children will be laughed at because their mother was used by an American and dumped aside. Her family are probably ashamed of her – being Argentinians are very strong Catholics. She’s already a shamed woman cuz of her divorce, and now this. So I think it was very honorable of Mark Sanford in the interview to AP – there were two objectives to this. One to hope people around him understand his actions and two, the news travel to Argentina that this woman was loved. I mean, it seems more respectable for her don’t you think? Also, there’s news now that they were threatened when their email were hacked. Whoever was behind it could also be forcing Sanford to admit “love” publicly. I think the hacker is someone in her family, someone who’s powerful enough to call the shots.

By madcock on July 3rd, 2009 at 11:54 am

God help those four boys. Starting to think she’s as crazy as he is…..wait a minute that’s a slight overstatement.

By jean on July 3rd, 2009 at 11:56 am

Therefore I think the reason behind Mrs. Sanford’s forgiveness. Could be only people in his close circle are aware of all the details. He really didn’t say he didn’t love his wife either. He just professed love for this woman – I don’t think he meant to do this in public but was forced to – which is why Mrs. Sanford understands. She’s got to protect her family as well.

By Zack on July 3rd, 2009 at 12:04 pm

She said she would forgive him – but she didn’t say she would take him back without conditions. Forgiveness is what all those goody goody Christians preach but it is often overrated in my book. Tell me again exactly what Cubby Culbertson’s credentials might be to be a marriage counselor?

By James the Foot Soldier on July 3rd, 2009 at 12:13 pm

Never mess with a cornered cougar….

By Ruth Houston on July 3rd, 2009 at 12:27 pm

Jenny Sanford has shown great dignity and strength in dealing with her husband’s affair and his embarrassing statements to the press. Other women with cheating husbands can learn a lot from her regarding the steps a betrayed wife can take if she wants to save her marriage, without losing her dignity and self-respect http://bit.ly/giv70 Many disagree with her willingness to take her husband back, but there are many reasons why a wife might decide to give her cheating husband a second chance, including the ones listed at http://bit.ly/18PCI1

Many factors have to be taken into consideration before a final decision is made. And when a woman makes the difficult decision to stay with a cheating mate, she still has to face the 2 obstacles mentioned here http://bit.ly/EdyTe . She also has to deal with criticism from people who disagree with the choice she has made. Jenny Sanford is to be commended for taking a firm stand, and doing what she feels is best for herself and her sons.

By She's got it! on July 3rd, 2009 at 12:31 pm

Amazing to see how poorly he handles things with her absent. He can leave the Country and SC fares well. She leaves Columbia and he can’t even give a decent press conference or interview. Look at the press conference set up in the middle of the state house allowing people just to walk up behind him to twitter and smile while he pours his heart out. Then at the end he has to wade thru the crowd to get to his office. Jenny would have had him stand at the corridor to his office with supporters behind him and he could gracefully turn and exit to his office at the end. He needs Jenny more than she needs him!

By Anonymous on July 3rd, 2009 at 1:11 pm

sad, sad indeed. i am embarrassed to say i am from south carolina right now. for the life of me, i cannot figure out why people are putting up with mark sanford at all. its alright that he abandoned the post of governor and spent taxpayer funds (although he later paid them back we think)? no laws broken (note sarcasm). so you can “borrow” from the taxpayers for an affair as long as you pay it back – no interest, no penalties. wow the taxpayers are really getting a good deal here. on the personal side of the issue what type of message is jenny sending to her boys if you receive forgiveness for anything you do? interesting that this is the path chosen. sounds like pr ploy to save what little face is left. there is no face to save. this is as bad as it gets.

By CNSYD on July 3rd, 2009 at 3:49 pm

anonymous, of course she doesn’t want THIS spotlight. That is not the spotlight I was talking about. If she was just plain ordinary socceer mom the media would not care about her. That is what is going to happen 18 months from now when Marky is out. So if she wants to stay in the news, for whatever reason, she has to keep him in office for the rest of her 15 minutes of fame.

By Anonymous on July 3rd, 2009 at 4:01 pm

CNSYD,

She doesn’t want to stay in the news.

By Candace on July 3rd, 2009 at 4:21 pm

Oh come now people, Jenny Sanford herself is no ordinary woman. She’s very intelligent, has a great wealthy family behind her. She does not need these spotlight to enlighten her. She’s going to be a shining star on her own someday, that is for sure, but it will not be riding on the pant legs of her husband. She’s totally qualified by her own accomplishment.

By CNSYD on July 3rd, 2009 at 4:27 pm

Candace, that is what I would have thought. So why is talking to the media pimps?

By Interrloper on July 3rd, 2009 at 4:34 pm

The glue that has bound the Sanfords is Right Wing ‘Christian’ politics. So, it is not really surprising that Jenny is still more concerned with protecting that turf than anything else. Both of them bring a greater fervor to the cause than most because, as beneficiaries of inherited wealth, they perceive themselves as actual members of God’s elect. Jenny has supported Mark’s policies completely, including his ill-advised opposition to stimulus funds for South Carolina. Indeed, she may be the person who formulates his positions.

I look forward to the departures of both Sanfords from public life.

By KMO on July 3rd, 2009 at 5:18 pm

I think Jenny Sanford is wonderful. If she says she loves her husband and wants the best for her children – that is where she should be. So many women react with rage and an “I will show you attitude” in a situation like this and forget the vows they took, the memories they share and the children they created. His past has been cemented with her and the boys. They belong together. So what if he had a passionate fling with someone else. That won’t last or the feelings. His past and his future, with her help and God’s, belong with her and the boys. What an example whe is setting for America’s women.

By CNS on July 3rd, 2009 at 5:28 pm

I agree with the first lady of SC trying to hold the family together. She and the boys are what count, not some affair (love story or not) with another woman. The loser here will be the woman in Argentina. Let’s hope she finds someone who is “free” to be with her and not someone who has a past and a future with his own family.

By Debbie G on July 3rd, 2009 at 5:36 pm

What a great example you are Jenny Sanford to leave open the possibility of holding your marriage together. For the sake of your family and especially your boys your understanding is remarkable. God be with you and your family during this time of reconciliation.

By Debbie G on July 3rd, 2009 at 5:50 pm

To: interrloper: I don’t look forward to seeing the Sanford’s from public life. I don’t see them as “God’s elite,” but true believers in a troubling time. I pray they will will be able to recommit to their future together for the sake of their children and for the vows they took. I think someday they will be able to lead others through the same troubling times they are experiencing.

By Old Bike Dude on July 3rd, 2009 at 5:52 pm

James the Foot Soldier has hit the nail on the head. I say she’s been down to Coosaw Plantation practicing on Mark’s backhoe…hoe…no pun intended. Anyway in a few weeks the Gov goes missing again, folks figure he’s jumped the equator, new roses bloom next spring, not sayin’, jus sayin’. Of course this is just conjecture, alledgedly.

By Anonymous on July 3rd, 2009 at 6:24 pm

OBD,

I think the Voodoo will be unleashed if he jumps that equator again.

It would if he were mine to keep up with.

By yarrrrr on July 3rd, 2009 at 9:10 pm

Here’s audio of jenny talking about spitzer…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu0-i0OxhME

By CNSYD on July 3rd, 2009 at 9:46 pm

Interrloper, God’s elect? Says who? Unless you heard it straight from The Great I Am it is just conjecture on your part. You tie their election to money. I was not aware it worked that way. I guess the widow with the 2 mites is now out of luck. BTW as the Jewish folk say, shrouds have no pockets.

By Calhoun Fawls on July 4th, 2009 at 2:36 am

Most South Carolinians who have either a wife or girlfriend or who have had either can not understand Mrs. Sanford. What could possibly be her motivation for propping her husband up? She has means. She has his adultery admitted in the press. What does he have on her becomes the unfortunate, but logical question.

There is something strange about all of this. I don’t for a minute buy this she is a “good Christian woman” nonsense being bantered about. There are plenty of good Christian women who have had the self respect to not remain with a cheating spouse, especially one that publicly humiliates them, much less try to prop them up. That is not grace. That is denial. Grace would be not saying a word at all at anytime.

Something’s not right here. It would not be my business except for he is my Governor and she is my First Lady and their interesting marriage represents my state to the rest of the world. They both seem all too eager to put there personal lives out there for the media to eat up. My guess is the Mark and Jenny story will be a Lifetime movie, coming on just after the Sarah Palin story.

I wonder if there is a sane, principled Republican left out there to support for President. The Sanfords are just the Clintons with money. Good grief, I pray for their kids. What does it teach their sons? Cheat on your wife, go AWOL from your job, and guess what kids, you got money, and you can keep your job and your wife will fight for you to do so because she still thinks you can be President after soccer moms cry for you after watching a Lifetime movie?

There is a line from the movie “The Shootist” that comes to mind. I am guess I am like John Wayne’s character in that movie when the Marshall told him, “you have just plum outlived your time.” I never thought I would live to see the day that Republicans used Christ to defend and even enable such things. It is a damn insult that the Sanfords hide their willingness to air their personal laundry behind Christ.

By liz on July 4th, 2009 at 8:02 am

Something bad is wrong here.

By scgop1980 on July 4th, 2009 at 9:45 am

She is more concerned about herself and her playboy husband than the following:

1) The people of South Carolina
2) Her own children, due to the fact they will be dragged through the mud the next 18 months of their lives

By sic shillie on July 4th, 2009 at 11:52 am

jenny is the crucial plank in the pr strategy and has been ever since this thing broke: all of sanfords allies use the excuse that the condition of the sanford’s marriage supercedes the governor’s official responsibilities and duty. despite the obvious dereliction of duty and use of state funds for personal use (which sanford admitted to by paying back) and blatant lying and changing the stories of lies with lies on top of lies, the rationale time and again has been that if she takes him back, the people of SC should view that acceptance as the justification that he should keep his job. Basically jenny is telling the people of SC that she is making the decision for us all: mark is keeping his job. and what is anybody gonna do about it? NOTHING!LOL jenny decided for all of us from the very beginning.

By CNSYD on July 4th, 2009 at 12:59 pm

Calhoun Fawls, when I read your description of the Sanfords the first family that popped into my mind was (minus the opposite politics) the Kennedys. Many similarites. Money, power, etc.

By yarrrrr on July 4th, 2009 at 3:24 pm

You guys are seriously underthinking what could be going on… there just isn’t any real situation where jenny would want Mark out of office. If she want wants to reconcile she won’t want to do it with a bitter disgraced loafer… and having a job keeps him from Argentina… and having him resign in disgrace wouldn’t be good for her kid’s psyche… if she’s unsure if she wants to reconcile she’d play it safe and get behind him… the calls for resignation were coming in too fast… despite those calls though, the chances are that Mark was ever going to be ousted were probably around 50% at it’s highest… and to dump on him would leave her with the embarrassing possibility of mark keeping his job and rebounding quickly with first lady tan lines (and having to be face with being compared to her)… so even if she wants a divorce she will run the time on the clock on the first lady position, and file the papers when the spotlight is away and when she’s better prepared to “rebound”… she could have dumped on him and let him hit rock bottom, but that would have been horrible for the kids… she could have said nothing, but that would have kept the controversy continuing acutely…

By Debbie G on July 4th, 2009 at 5:50 pm

All of this rambling doesn’t make much sense to me. I think Jenny Sanford is right on track in her desire to keep the family on course for the boys future. At 80 years of age, both Jenny and Mark can take pride in their boys, their grandchildren and the examples they have set, with a few minor setbacks, seen at that time, Let’s pray that they will keep this family together.