Of all the revelations to emerge from S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford’s entirely self-inflicted (and ongoing) political implosion, the one that damages his once-potent “brand” the most is that he partook of the same taxpayer-funded perks that his office denied to other government employees.
First-class airfare, luxurious hotel stays, lavish meals … these amenities weren’t permitted for other state employees in Sanford’s Cabinet, but apparently they were good enough for the governor.
This goes straight to the heart of Sanford’s fiscal conservative cred, and rips open a gigantic, sucking hole in the carefully-maintained cabin pressure of his political comfort zone.
With his fiscal credentials taking a beating, Sanford is turning increasingly to what we call the “King David” strategy in his bid to resuscitate his moribund standing with the people of South Carolina – i.e. overt appeals to social conservatives, who are by and large “easy forgivers.” But the governor may find little long-term fruit in this approach.
You see, until he got caught cheating on his wife with Argentine lover Maria Belen Chapur, Sanford never paid more than lip service to social conservatism. Now, all of a sudden, he’s quoting Scripture like Jack Van Impe.
Social conservatives may be willing to forgive, but they can also spot a fake … and someone using “forgiveness” exclusively for political salvation is not likely to earn their sustained favor.
Back to the dollars and cents, though. The real “bigger picture” issue here, as far as we’re concerned, isn’t what sort of ticket Sanford upgraded to, it’s why he was on the plane to begin with …
The governor has always advocated (we thought) for a “soil conditions” approach to economic development, arguing that if a suitable tax, regulatory and business environment were created, that jobs and capital investment would come. This approach differs considerably from the “rifle shot” method of granting hundreds of millions in taxpayer incentives to lure larger firms like BMW.
Clearly, Sanford lost this battle. Lawmakers repeatedly – and with great relish – rejected the vast majority of his pro-business agenda, choosing to keep in place “the way it’s always been done.” The result? Record unemployment, which they ironically blame on Sanford – and which he may well shoulder some of the blame for now that we learn he’s been boondoggling it up on taxpayer-funded “economic development” trips.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, people, it is not government’s job to create jobs and capital investment.
All government can do is tax less and get the *#&% out of the way.
Jobs and capital investment go where they are wanted, and picking winners and losers in the marketplace through incentives – or more recently this nonsense – is clearly an approach that has failed our state.
Frankly, we thought Sanford knew that …
Update – Yes, that is Chapur on Sanford’s screen … a nice touch (we know).
Artwork: Young Squire Creative for FITS
By 1+1=3 July 20, 2009 at 9:22 am
The SC Governor’s office website has a hot box called Waste of the Day – hasn’t been updated since May – guess it hits a little too close to home when it’s the gov himself…
Speaking of whom…anyone seen his schedule for this week yet? Know where he is? What he’s doing?
By PandaChris July 20, 2009 at 9:24 am
FITSNews:
You hit the nail on the head and I commend you for saying this.
Since you have access to the Chad Waldorfs and Howard Richs of the world, please use that access to encoruage them to see that the SC reform movement will wither and not rebloom in 2010 UNLESS Sanford goes now.
He is an anchor around reform candidates’ necks and NONE of it has to do with his sweetie in Argentina.
By Daniel Layfield July 20, 2009 at 10:03 am
What you describe – a state policy of creating ideal economic conditions to lure businesses to locate there, without having to expend any capital or energy recruiting firms individually – is an ideal to be worked for, but not one that exists.
I would be interested to know whether any states have been successful in adopting a completely hands-off approach such as this. I suspect not.
A realist would recognize that he should continue pushing to improve “soil conditions,” while working within the existing framework to recruit businesses as effectively as possible. It seems to me that’s what Sanford has done.
By Gillon July 20, 2009 at 10:52 am
Pity the poor Republicans of SC. They thought that they were electing fiscal conservatives to lead this state and instead got legislators that spend like drunken sailors on their pet projects and a self-serving, self-absorbed, adulterous governor who epitomizes the “do as I say, not as I do” philosophy”, both fiscally and morally. They elect a state treasurer who did time for cocaine distribution and a state commissioner of agriculture who was convicted of taking bribes to allow cock-fighting. And the main reason that this governor is allowed to stay in office is that the guy they elected as Lt.
Governor has shown such a lack of judgment and maturity in his driving habits and a lack of ethics in his financial dealings with his state as to render him unfit to take over the governorship in many eyes.
And not to be outdone on the national level, Republicans propel the inept and clueless George Bush to the Presidency with a victory in the 2000 SC Presidential and cast their electoral votes for him twice. And most recently, their U. S. Senator Jim DeMint issues his latest profundity that compares the U. S. today with Nazi Germany in the 1930′s.
It is said that a people get the type of government that they deserve, but this is ridiculous.
Maybe as conservative Bill Buckley once suggested, you could do about as well in selecting government leaders by picking names at random out of the phone book.
Talk about “We have met the enemy and he is us…”
By Julius July 20, 2009 at 10:53 am
This is obviously photo shopped. Please give it a rest. He’s forgiven as far as I’m concerned and hopefully he will earn this forgiveness by his actions in the future.
By fitsnews July 20, 2009 at 10:56 am
Julius,
“This is obviously photo shopped.”
Nothing gets by you, does it?
-FITS
P.S. – Gayfie, we agree w/ you up to a point.
By Burnout July 20, 2009 at 11:09 am
He used to sleep in his office-now years later he is flying first class on a “business ” trip to see his Argentinian mistress.
We need citizens to serve for a term or two of public service and get the hell out.
By CNSYD July 20, 2009 at 11:30 am
Gillon, with the dolts that the Democrats have put forward for President, it did not matter who the Republicans put forward they were bound to win. The Democrats put too much emphasis on who was the best candidate in the eyes of party insiders in lieu of who could get elected by the people of the US. As we saw in the last election, the Republicans will need to go back to the drawing board if they expect to regain the White House. It will be interesting to see how DeMint will spin his C Street involement.
By Rexella July 20, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Oh, Sic Willie — isn’t Jack amazing?
May I share a few words of wisdom for your Governor?
~~~
“You never saw a fish on the wall with its mouth shut.”
By Dave T. July 20, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Julius is one sharpe dude…………..
By Another opinion July 20, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Did I see that Niki Haley “cannot remember if her $6,000 plane ticket to China several years ago was first class or what.” I think that she should remember that trip. She was a brand new legislator and was “picked” for this trip. If she has that short a memory then she does not need to be running for governor! By the way, coach seats were in the $1,600 range. You tell me what she had. By the way, who picked her to go and who paid for her ticket. I smell a rotten egg here. Another “reformer”, conservative and one who questions other’s spending habits is caught with their hand in the public money pot. I cannot wait to see what happens with this when she runs next year. She might want to re-think this!!!!!!!
By Dave T. July 20, 2009 at 1:36 pm
And Nikki H says she doesn’t remember if she sat in a seat like this or coach?????????????????
By w-s July 20, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Life imitates art:
The Sanford Show
By Look out, I'm next July 20, 2009 at 2:51 pm
damn Julius….what next? maybe you can tell us that sky is blue
By Jeffy01 July 20, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Hey julius the earth is round and BIN is an ass! you are one sharp spoon! (see thats a joke, spoons are not sharp)
By Jaded in S.C. July 20, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Could someone PLEASE TELL the people of S.C. where our governor is and what he is doing in the way of running the state? IS OUR GOVERNOR OR SOME OF HIS PEERS HAVING TO DEAL WITH INFORMATION THAT HAS LEAKED FROM THE SOLICITOR’S SCANDAL HERE IN CHESTERFIELD COUNTY? From my understanding, the activities here with former solicitor Jay Hodge go all the way to Columbia and beyond. Our county government has enjoyed quite a bit of freedom doing as they pleased for many years with Stewart as head of SLED and being from Chesterfield County. Many people reported many things about our local government to SLED over the years, nothing was done, and now our county is in one heck of a mess. Also,I remember when Edwards came through Chesterfield County campaigning before his scandal broke. Hodge and Edwards were well-aquainted. I believe the entire government of S.C. is imploding, from the smallest county all the way to the capital.
By Zach July 20, 2009 at 4:29 pm
In today’s society many public figures are not what the public expected THEM TO BE, once they have entered the office. Yet, everyone makes mistakes and everyone is not perfect. Many states have private jets for their governors, and many of them have personal vacation condo’s for their personal use. So I think that it is perfectly fine for a governor to have use of first class seats, hotels, and perks. If this is wrong, take Air Force one away from the president. Regardless of party, or whoever it is.
we must be fair!
By CNSYD July 20, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Zach, what are you smoking? Air Force One is more about security than about a perk. SC has planes (not ones that fly overseas). The planes are not, however, for the purpose of flying to Savannah to pickup family. It comes down to what the rules say. If they say ALL government employees are to fly coach, then he owes the state for the difference. If he put out the edict that employees on travel have to share rooms, then he has to do it also. Just like the CEO of WalMart.
By Mab July 20, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Jaded,
“Our [WHOLE FRICKIN' STATE'S] government has enjoyed quite a bit of freedom doing as they pleased for many years with Stewart as head of SLED.”
This is just now trickling up to your neck of the woods?!
SLED has operated as a state-funded concierge for SC’s elite for 20 years or more. Reggie Lloyd and a little sunshine are the best things to take hold of that agency in my lifetime.
By Larry July 20, 2009 at 6:13 pm
This picture is awesome.
By far the funniest one yet.
By Jaded in S.C. July 20, 2009 at 7:04 pm
I am smoking and have enough sense to know that Sanfraud bamboozled and ripped off taxpayers by flying first-class. Maybe God told him it was a perk with his position. I wonder how many other taxpayers and supporters would find it okay with them.
By 1+1=3 July 20, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Lawmakers: SC gov’s pricey seats need closer look
By JIM DAVENPORT (AP) – 47 minutes ago
COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina legislators say Gov. Mark Sanford’s travel spending needs scrutiny, following an Associated Press review that showed he was booked on pricey flights despite laws that say state employees must travel as cheaply as possible.
“That’s a big problem,” said state Sen. Kevin Bryant, a Republican from Anderson and former Sanford ally. “Certainly when the average South Carolinian couldn’t afford first-class, there’s no reason they should be paying for someone else to be flying on a first-class ticket.”
Legislators on Monday said those flights don’t appear to square with laws on the books since 1993 that say “no state funds may be used to purchase first class airline tickets” and that employees on business travel are required to “use the most economical mode of transportation,” considering factors such as urgency and schedules.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jNr005nPQpk4X7Bw-PVrDTC8471wD99IF0F80
By BIN News Editorial Staff July 20, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Morons of the world! United we stand!
By UCheapbastards July 20, 2009 at 7:51 pm
I am a fiscal tightwad but lets be real. When MY Governor travels somewhere I don’t want him rolling into town on a bicycle and staying at a Motel 6. I happen to think that he represents the best state in the Union filled with the finest people and these type of details affect how people perceive our (already poorly perceived) state.
There are a lot of much lower ranked exec’s in business that travel first class. He is the Chief Executive of one of the 50 states in the greatest country on earth. It’s as much about my pride as his comfort.
Now, back to my being a tightwad: To accomplish this we should garnish all the frequent flier points other state employees earn on our dime and use it to upgrade his ticket to get him in 1st class.
By ethel krabitz July 20, 2009 at 7:57 pm
the picture is just hilarious
By newzjunkie July 20, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Fits,
Does this picture mean we’re not getting a broadcast news update? I mean, I’ve only inquired about this a couple of times?
By Jean Thomas July 20, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Conservatives only forgive those who are registered Republicans.
By Huhhh July 20, 2009 at 10:08 pm
The worst thing is asking a staffer to find the cheapest county to register the boat, rather than registering it where it was kept.
To be so deep down, dyed in the wool dishonest about something as trivial as that is an incredible indicator of his amorality.
UCheapbastards, I think the frequent flyer miles should ALWAYS come to the state since WE are paying the bill.
MSNBC is keeping up with The Family stuff. Politico and Roll Call had stories about it today and I learned for the first time that Cousin Lindsey has been praying with them, too.
By lou July 21, 2009 at 8:21 am
TO JADED- the people of South Carolina have no redress towards the SC GOP.
the SCGOP spit in my face. they’ll hear about it soon enough though…
When you read Jim Davenport- remember this, when I called him with my REAL problem, he defended Mark Sanford and started talking about Chile….
WHAT IS UP WITH SANFORD AND CHILE TOO YA’LL????? Maybe we need to find out because Jim Davenport said the Governor had a woman in Chile too. He told me that, when he was defending Mark Sanford.
This from the man writing the press articles. BOOOOO YAH.
The AP said more emails were to come…. let em fly AP. The people of SC deserve to see all of the emails.
And Sanford is NOT who he says he is. Mark Sanford’s poor policies and evil ways profoundly abused me, personally.
IT AIN”T OVER YET
By Zach July 21, 2009 at 1:30 pm
To mr cynsd or whatever your screen name is. First of I am not smoking anything, the air force one isn’t just for security. I guess you know that since you fly on it right. I have worked with many politicians all over the country, and I know how they travel. It is my career no less, but since you know everything.
I am educated and my resume can buff your pitty comments. So better to be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. Guess which President said that one.
I am sure if we all can get in a line and point fingers, of which one hasn’t made a mistake- none of us could step forward.
By Elmer July 21, 2009 at 2:25 pm
It sounds like this entire trip’s purpose was to get Sanford to travel in luxury and get laid. I am sure if any real business was accomplished someone would be crowing about it.
You have heard of boondoggle – this trip was a poontangdoggle.
By w-s July 21, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Gotta love Jon Stewart!
By CNSYD July 21, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Zach, since you are so learned, why are there top level, secure communication systems aboard AF1? Why does it look like a 747 but has been especially modified for defense against attack? Why was G. Bush put on board AF1 and it went airborne during 9/11? Why are the airways cleared around AF1 when it flies? This is nothing new. BTW I have been on AF1.
By Zach July 22, 2009 at 12:57 pm
RE: CNSYD. I never once said that AF1 wasn’t used for Security purposes. It does have luxury aboard as well. As a foot note, I seriously doubt you have been aboard AF1. The point of my statement was that Governors have to have security as well, and I am happy to pay my taxes for their security. If you are so important, and have the ability to enter the door of Air Force One then state your name on your comments. Do not be little my knowledge on the subject of public policy or politics. This is my career and my education can prove what I state. I am glad you at least completed your High School education. The general public is not allowed to be permitted on Air Force One, unless immediate family, friends, or employees of the government or members of the press with special inspection. Or of course invited by the President himself. I would love to personally contact you, so we can discuss this in more detail. That is however, if you come out of hidden behind your screen name.
By CNSYD July 22, 2009 at 1:23 pm
I apologize Zach for my incorrect statements. I know you are a noble, smart, and wise political activist.
By CNSYD July 22, 2009 at 4:52 pm
The above comments attributed to me were not mine but I agree with the sarcasm. The AF1 I went aboard was a 707 (the one that RMN flew to China many moons ago). BTW Zach, what position do you hold on Sanfraud’s staff?
By CYNSYD July 22, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Zach is no part of Sanford’s staff. Richard Nixon’s plane is at the Dayton, Ohio Air Force Musuem. Also I can assure you that the plane he flew on, is much different than President Obama’s.
DO YOUR RESEARCH, AND GET AN EDUCATION.
I am done commenting on this chat room. As I state stop being a coward and come from behind your scree name.
Look me up, if you would like to discuss these topics in the future.
By Thomas Ravenel August 27, 2009 at 9:53 pm
I noticed that you, perhaps unintentionally, paraphrased Wriston’s Law! Wriston’s Law is named after the late Walter Wriston, a giant of banking and finance. In his 1992 book, The Twilight of Sovereignty, he predicted the rise of electronic networks and their chief economic effects. Wriston said capital (meaning both money and ideas), when freed to travel at the speed of light, “will go where it is wanted, stay where it is well-treated.”
By Mab October 13, 2009 at 5:01 pm
This photo shop work is tastefully presented — but today’s *Sanford in a hole* is rife with innuendo. Good Stuff Maynard!