Just call him a “serial rationalizer.”
S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford tried to defend his increasingly questionable travel practices after a meeting with his Cabinet on Tuesday, arguing that he spent less on travel than previous S.C. governors and much less than chief executives in other states.
The governor also sought to frame the “accusations” against him as politically-motivated, saying that his opponents “smell blood in the water” in the wake of his admission of an extramarital affair with Argentine lover Maria Belen Chapur and the subsequent scrutiny of him that has followed.
Back in the company of his beloved press corps, Sanford was once again “engaging the intellectual exercise,” as one source close to the governor called it.
“He loves the intellectual workout,” the source said.
But irrespective of his love for that exercise – and irrespective of the travel habits of other politicians – it seems obvious at this point that the governor ran afoul of state law governing both travel expenses as well as use of the state airplane.
That would seem to justify legislative hearings, a potential vote on impeachment and months of additional distraction – none of which South Carolina needs.
Meanwhile, rumors about Sanford’s personal life were all the rage, with reports that the governor may be seeking to enter into a more public relationship with Chapur … eventually.
Stay tuned … we’re hearing there’s a lot more to come on these multiple story lines …
By anonymous August 12, 2009 at 3:37 am
serial liar
serial thief
serial fraudster
serial criminal
serial adulter
serial pathetic loser
serial mismanagement of state agencies and resources
serial “you fill in the bank”
By CNSYD August 12, 2009 at 8:39 am
Let me make sure I understand Sanfraud’s logic. If I was to murder someone my defense should be (1) It is way less than the number of people murdered by Speck, Gacy, etc. (2) this is just an attempt by my enemies to get me. That about right?
By Willard August 12, 2009 at 8:54 am
I used to like this guy when he was first elected and after re-election….and before the affair broke I liked him. Someone get rid of him. Can SC Citizens recall him. He is a joke and and embarrassing for the entire state of SC. I hope he sees he is flushing his entire life down the drain!
What a joke. His staff better be looking for new work, sucks their resume is now tainted.
By follydude August 12, 2009 at 9:15 am
“This kind of lavish spending with taxpayers footing the bill just doesn’t make any sense to me,” … “If I become your governor, I’ll fix that problem” -
Mark Sanford
By 1+1=3 August 12, 2009 at 9:19 am
I think he’s hoping for a threesome w/ jenny and Maria and that proves he’s delusional
By BrettInc August 12, 2009 at 9:44 am
“…months of additional distraction, none of which South Carolina needs” is a great quote and absolutely correct. Looking forward to what the next gubernatorial election will bring. The Governor’s Office needs some FRESH… dare we say… BLOOD… in the water!
By Maria BeLen Chapur August 12, 2009 at 9:53 am
It is really Shapur. There is confirmation out online that some reporter changed it to protect my real identity. * poop on him.
Mark, you want me. Come get me. You have my phone number and address.
COME ON> don’t be scared. Don’t lie anymore. Don’t be chicken.
You need to come clean Mister. You need to stop your evil ways. And if the HuffPo was right, that you are a time traveler… well go back to your pit. I have the key now.
I plan to lock the door. You hear me>>>
IT IS OVER MARK SANFORD> OVER OVER OVER
Maria BeLen Chapur is in the United States of America. Understand.
She is here to claim her citizenship . Understand Mark?
Understand yet?
You will understand me. Trust me… you’ve heard those words before but listen to me. I SPEAK THE TRUTH.
I am Maria Be Len Shapur.
I know it.
STOP WRITING ME. IT”S CALLED MAIL FRAUD
By Liz August 12, 2009 at 10:03 am
Fits, there is blood everywhere.
By Huhhh??? August 12, 2009 at 11:21 am
“intellectual workout”??? More like one display after another of pure psychopatholgy.
This “emporer” must have the largest group of morons in the country telling him (on the taxpayer’s dime), “Yes, you do. You DO have clothes on”.
By scooter August 12, 2009 at 11:36 am
1.) How many people with some type of power read these comments, and others like this one?
2.) If they do, why do they not take some action? Over 96% are asking that he resign.
3.) Does his staff read these comments?
4.) Are they telling Sanford what the people are saying?
5.) What about SLED and law enforcement? If they wanted to arrest Michael Phelps for smoking what might have been pot at a party, why are they not doing something about all the laws Sanford broke?
6.) How long will those that support him let him continue making us all poorer, and more depressed? Who is going to make him pay us back?
By Jonny D August 12, 2009 at 12:20 pm
All the haters on this forum sound like a bunch no life jealous bastards. Maybe Jenny is an ice princess, maybe not, it’s irrelevant, the Gov is just not that into her. The man is having a “you complete me” experience with Ms. Argentina, good for him. The boys are cool, they’ll be fine. SC is ok, it will be here today, tomorrow, even next year, besides, nothing happens in summertime anyway. As for the rest of you, nothing to see here, so just move along.
By Merit Man August 12, 2009 at 12:40 pm
It’s called INTELLECTUAL MASTURBATION
By anonymous August 12, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Mark Sanford broke the law.
MARK SANFORD BROKE THE LAW
M-A-R-K S-A-N-F-O-R-D B-R-O-K-E T-H-E L-A-W
R-E-P-E-A-T-E-D-L-Y
O-V-E-R A-N-D O-V-E-R A-G-A-I-N
A-N-D A-G-A-I-N A-N-D A-G-A-I-N
By Not Sayin', Just Sayin' August 12, 2009 at 1:46 pm
His “intellectual” exercise is nothing more than strained rationalizations that nobody else believes.
By jeffy August 12, 2009 at 2:51 pm
LIZ……STOP USING THE ALL CAPS…..WE KNOW ITS YOU. I need an asprin.
By Mr Maria BeLen Chapur August 12, 2009 at 2:52 pm
I am sorry for my wife’s rants and raves. her meds run low from time to time.
By Jeffy01 August 12, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Liz….what blood. Just relax and call 911, it will be ok. Just breathe deeply.