SCGOP Censures Sanford
The Executive Committee of the South Carolina Republican Party voted yesterday evening to censure Gov. Mark Sanford for carrying on an extramarital affair with his Argentine lover, covering it up and then gushing like a teenager about it in a high-profile interview with the Associated Press.
It was the first time a Republican governor has ever been censured by his own party, although the significance of the ceremonial move is up for debate.
For those of you keeping score at home, the vote count was 22 in favor of a reprimand, 10 supporting resignation and 9 in favor of the SCGOP staying out of it.
“Republicans came together to speak with a unified voice, and now is the time for healing,” said SCGOP Chairwoman Karen Floyd, who is advised by the same political consultant who advises the governor.
Wait, a “time for healing?” Did somebody die?
Oh … and how is it “unified” when the vote was clearly all over the map?
Sheesh.
Obviously, Sanford’s office jumped at the lifeline the GOP threw its way.
“The governor fully appreciates the party’s position,” Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer said. “And he fully intends to work diligently to earn back its trust.”
Comments
By Toyota Kawaski on July 7th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Now what about his own party the Libertarian what will they do?
By Kevin on July 7th, 2009 at 9:23 am
We expect more from our leaders – The Governor and the Executive Committee.
We didn’t elect a character flawed Governor that needed to be rehabilitated.
Someone please stand up for the people of the state of South Carolina and the members of the Republican party.
By LexingtonLady55 on July 7th, 2009 at 10:30 am
The end of the SC GOP. Will they publish how the executive committee voted?
By Rich D. on July 7th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Mrs. Floyd demonstrated incredible leadership last night.
By 1+1=3 on July 7th, 2009 at 10:44 am
Republicans came together to speak with a unified voice,
All that means is they decided not to release exactly how people voted so there is no retaliation
They are hoping no one remembers this 18 months from now
By rick beltram on July 7th, 2009 at 10:46 am
Fits:
Do you know how each member voted?
Certainly in an age of “transparency” these votes would be recorded and made available to the public.
Please let us know.
Rick Beltram
By chapin guy on July 7th, 2009 at 10:48 am
The SCGOP did the right thing by censuring Sanford
I appreciate Karen Floyd’s leadership on this issue and I am confident that she will lead the party to success in 2010
By Crooner on July 7th, 2009 at 11:02 am
I, too, am confident Karen Floyd will lead the party to success in 2010. How hard can it be to run Republicans in bass ackward SC?
By Liberty for me... on July 7th, 2009 at 11:09 am
He lucky he did not get one of those NATO reprimands…those are really scary
By Another opinion on July 7th, 2009 at 11:10 am
We need the names of those voting for censure instead of resignation. These individuals need to vote how those they represent feel. The last time I looked it was over 80% for resignation.
Hey Willy, you claim to be “all knowing.” Who were these “friends” who traveled out of country on a number of occassions and witnessed their friend Mark “blow off steam” and “cross the line.” Do they have something to hide? They should have come forward during this mess unless they too are politians? Let’s see how good you are and if you can get an answer. People want to know.
By worriedaboutbiggerthings on July 7th, 2009 at 11:29 am
We have missiles pointed at us from N. Korea. Our kids are going to be indentured slaves to whomever owns the US debt and the US government. Daschle is close to being able tell me what my doctor can prescribe to me and whether I can have surgery. Our banks and major industries are being nationalized.
Good thing is that the Gaffney serial killer was taken out by the NC police last night.
Let’s get past the drama and sideshow and move on.
By Mincing Words on July 7th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Is it just me or does KF look like Faye Dunaway in this pic?
By proudofsc on July 7th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
The solutions to big problems always begin with honest, dependable, reliable leadership, and until people are held accountable for their actions, we will continue to get false leaders.
By Anonymous on July 7th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Fits….please do a story on who voted what! We have a right to know how the SC GOP voted. That way we can keep track of who not to vote for. I am proud of those who voted to ask the Governor to resign. Censuring is so weak. How long do these guys underestimate the people of SC? I feel a movement afloat to vote people out. Sanford is dragging the whole party down with him and our lawmakers are delusional in believing that it is not happening.
By w on July 7th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
ricky beltram, assclown of SC, still talking.
By SC Moderate on July 7th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Hopefully the Thursday rally will draw larger than expect crowds- and will ensure renewed media coverage… It seems this is the only way to get the balling rolling back in the direction of forcing Sanford out of office.
Have these legislatures forgot that Sanford did not come clean on his own- he was MIA for a week, then he even lied in the airport. Only when he was out of options, did he confess and start to feel sorry. Its real easy to feel sorry when you get caught… or is it that you are sorry you got caught? He even said he told his mistress (number ???) that he knew the political risk and was willing to take them. So I don’t buy the all of a sudden reflection and guilt act.
What’s worse- is on top of this being somewhat of an appart pattern, Sanford continue to use religion as a scapegoat, reasoning, etc (all but said God made him do it). Then goes on to treat everyone in SC like they are idiots with all of his rationale of whether its tougher to stay or go, and so on. While having no problem calling for others to resign- in both parties.
Every single move he has made has been for Sanford’s personal benefit. I even question whether or not there was some rhyme or reason to his asinine AP interview via advice from his new “crisis management” team out of DC.
I also get a kick out of Sanford saying “If I walked in with a real spirit of humility then this last legislative term could well be our most productive one”… the fact that he even has to say this is somewhat of a problem. Who does he think he is that he should not have had a spirit of humility the past 6 years… (I guess we know this answer). And something tells me by the very way he is handling the current situation- that the humility statement is nothing more than a group of words thrown together to get what he wants at the moment- to stay in office.
The bottom line is if Sanford stays in office, there will be some legislator who should be held accountable. Can all of those in the General Assembly who originally called Sanford to step down, be so easily influenced?
Hopefully there are some people in SC who can out fox Sanford’s Washington Crisis Managment Team.
By Toyota Kawaski on July 7th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Rick belscam you are the self proclaimed GOP leader how come you don’t know anything? Because you are a LOUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSer that’s why now god suck down some Beacon sweet tea
By proudofsc on July 7th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Sanford MUST GO!
By lou on July 8th, 2009 at 7:30 am
Let’s get details about this Washington Crisis Team.. why is he using them for a private mistress matter????
BECAUSE WHILE HE MAY HAVE A MISTRESS TOO>>>> ACCORDING TO CENK ON THE YOUNG TURKS JUNE 23, SANFORD WENT TO STUDY THE ARGENTINA SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM> HE THINKS IT IS GOOD AND HE LIKES IT>
Social security was privatized at Fidelity Investments prior to 1991. I have the evidence.
There are a lot of lines here to reference people but when Argentina privatized their Social Security, the country went belly up.
The financial crisis is coming from South Carolina no doubt about it.
By MIchelle on July 8th, 2009 at 9:44 am
OK! So, the Party forgave him for the girlfriend in Argentina, lying, fraud. But, what about the girlfriend living in Kings Grant, along Fort Jackson? You know the one that when the Gov was jogging he would visit?
Or, the girlfriend from the Marketing Firm in Columbia?
Or, the girlfriend from his Office? The one that moved away afer her divorce?
Why nothing about these issues? Is this over? Did this all end because the Party could not live with the thought of Andre as a replacement?
By James on July 8th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
“We have maintained a silence closely resembling stupidity.” A true statement in 1809, and never more so than now. If the Republican Party is based first upon family values why are we so emcumbered with those filled with character flaws?
By scooter on July 8th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
What a bunch of weak, no guts, bunch of idiots.
By scooter on July 8th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
I smell back room deals.
By Ron on July 9th, 2009 at 12:02 am
Where’s the recorded vote Ms Karen Floyd? Madam Chair, will we now be the party of transparency or the status quo Rino Republican Party that has governed SC for at least a decade or more?