Sanford: Not Incommunicado?
While much of the focus of South Carolina, P.M. (Post Maria) has centered around whether or not Gov. Mark Sanford broke the law with his various travel arrangements, the governor’s growing chorus of critics have recently returned to an argument that held considerable sway early on in the scandal.
It boils down to four words: “willful neglect of duty.”
Basically, this argument holds that when Sanford disappeared for a week earlier this summer to visit with his Argentine lover, Maria Belen Chapur (and lied about his whereabouts to his family, staff and state), he technically violated the South Carolina Constitution, which lists “willful neglect of duty” as an impeachable offense.
Simple enough, right?
Not surprisingly, our state’s Rationalizer-in-Chief has worked up a response to this line of questioning, too – although it remains to be seen whether the governor’s latest ass-covering “strategery” will alleviate or exacerbate his political problems.
Either way, in an apparent effort to preemptively counter the “willful neglect of duty” accusation, Sanford is now telling his confidants that his “secret” trip to Argentina wasn’t really such a secret after all.
Specifically, Sanford is now privately telling some of his closest allies that he actually informed several “state leaders” of his ill-fated June 2009 jaunt to Buenos Aires, Argentina – as well as his distinctly personal reasons for making the trip.
Wait … what?
We already know that the governor’s wife, Chief of Staff, then-spokesman and top law enforcement officer (who is responsible for providing his security) were unaware of Sanford’s location.
Who then, exactly, did he tell?
That’s the best part of this story … Sanford’s not telling.
According to one of the sources we spoke with about this latest development, the governor is “holding off on disclosing the names because those people also knew why he was there.”
Great.
“They were covering for him and he does not want to embarrass them, if possible,” our source said. “Of course knowing Mark he’ll throw them to the wolves when it suits his purpose(s).”
Comments
By Mary on September 7th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
The very last line of the article sums up Sanford as a person quite well. I am shocked to hear (if its true) that he had people covering for him however, I had wondered at the time how absolutely no one knew where he was. Contradiction, yes I know. I guess this who situation just floors me!
Who picked him up at the airport when he was met by The State? I dont remember them ever saying other than a “friend”.
By shiya on September 7th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
If its true, we know that Sanford will use it for blackmail purposes..afterall which state leader will want to admit he covered up for Sanford’s dalliance.
If not, its just a sign of his increased desperation ..like excavating a 22 year old note to justify his travel upgrades.
There are plenty of “wilful neglect” examples..not least of which is the fact that he blew off a meeting in 2008 with an SC business wanting to expand operations in the state..if I recollect correctly, that was specifically arranged so that he could “consumate” the love story.
By CNSYD on September 7th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
I knew where Sanford was and why. He called me every hour on the hour and gave me a blow by blow report. That is as believeable as what he says.
By shiya on September 7th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
I can think of two names: Cubby, or the state rep who arranged for an alleged rendesvous with Maria in SC. Remember, she was supposed to be staying with the friend?
Just check the people who have private planes and you may get your answer.
By SC Moderate on September 7th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
One Problem- Sanford’s preemptive cover falls completely short of rationalizing that he didn’t neglect his duties…
The neglect was established by the fact that he was unable to be reached for 6 days. Because he turned off his cell phone. So it really doesn’t matter how many of his buddies he bragged to (about going to get some from his South American girlfriend). Because obviously they couldn’t get in touch with him, to warn of the building storm, either.
Not that bragging to buddies about seeing a mistress would qualify as an observance of duty to our state (or rather disprove a neglect of duty)!
By CNSYD on September 7th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Let’s think about this some more. Can it be Cubby? I don’t think he qualifies as a “state leader”. Was it McConnell and/or Harrell? I doubt it as there is no way Sanford would give them that ammo. So who are we left with? How about Ryberg, Haley and/or Davis?
By ohara on September 7th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
What a whining, sniveling, jack ass he is.
I am sure he called everyone he knows and begged them to say that they were 007’s secret mole who knew his whereabouts, but were sworn to uphold the “double-triple secret no tellsy” Sanford “I just made this up” secret pact that he established in order to save his own ass.
He wouldn’t be putting this one out unless he already found a sucker. Usual suspects? Tom Davis? Cubby?
I can hear it now. “Please, help me-they’re trying to ruin me.” Too late Sanford, you managed that part all by yourself.
By 1 + 1 = 3 on September 7th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Isn’t that what subpoenas are for?
By Groundball on September 7th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
What a quality human being the Clown Prince is showing himself to be. Does he think he was chosen by God to lead or to bring down a political party that’s been solidly entrenched for 20 years?
By COURTNEY on September 7th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Yep, that political party is going to be in the trench come the next election!! The GOP idiots deserve what they will get for standing behind this jackass who calls himself our governor…I have never had the honor of being surrounded by so many neutered men at one time….I wonder how it feels for Markie to have so many of them on board his loveboat ??
By CNSYD on September 7th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Groung ball, the answer is yes and yes.
By shiya on September 7th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
My money is on Ryberg..bet he is also the only guy who didnt want to sign a petition for Sanford’s resignation.
By Benjamin Linus on September 7th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Ryberg or Nikki Haley, is my two picks.
By Strom's Daughter on September 7th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
May all your trails be Appalachian.
May all your affairs remain hidden in the Appalachian underbrush.
And may all your Appalachian squeezes be Argentinian.
By Henry on September 7th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Who is “Cubby”?
If “Cubby” isn’t Chip Campsen, then wouldn’t Campsen, reported to be his best friend, be the most likely person with this secret?
But didn’t Campsen’s sister, Cindy Mosteller, write a scathing critique of Sanford that was published yesterday in The State?
Where is Chip Campsen on this issue?
By CNSYD on September 7th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Lets draw a parallel. Obama disappears without his wife, the Secret Service or any of the Constitutionally designated successors having a clue where he is. Would BO be shocked at all the hell that would cause? Would he say no problem because some obscure Cabinet member or member of Congress knew where he was but he ain’t saying who and expect that to be the end of it?
By alaindelon on September 7th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
too many lame explanations like “I told a little white lie”…too late…It doesn’t matter who he told.You don’t go around screaming
about family values and like a pharisee sneak out for 5(planned 10 days)
sex romp with your mistress.With the added shame of using taxpayers’
money when you claimed to be fiscally responsible.Be a man Sinfraud and
resign! You could be in Buenos Aires tomorrow.Stop torturing us.
By SC Integrity on September 7th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
It certainly couldn’t be Sen. Tom Davis because on GMA he stated “up until then [yesterday morning of public confession] I didn’t know this other component existed.” Adultery, lies, abandonment, lies, stealing $3300 to be paid back, lies, personal flights, lies…
Though they’ve been close friends for 3 decades Davis was as shocked as everyone else. Guess as a dear friend he never asked why Sanford was cuddling with Cubby or separated from Jenny.
So glad the crux of the original reason for immediate ouster has been resurrected. More than ample impeachment ammunition by any idiot’s standard. Inquiring minds never even needed to learn of all the other funsies.
By Patty on September 7th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
I think there are about 2, maybe 3 people repeatedly commenting on this thread, all with assumed names. And not being very clever about it either.
Some people are simply a little too desperate. It is unseemly, and I suspect, buffoonish.
By MKinVA on September 7th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
He had to come up with some story. The press and some pols are pushing him to explain the back channel of communication. If he didn’t tell the Chief of Staff, the chief of SLED, or the Lt. Gov, it really doesn’t matter who else was in on it. And if one of his friends, like Cubby or Ryberg, was the back channel and didn’t let him know that the whole country was joking about Nude Hiking Day and that Stephen Colbert had declared himself governor, I guess that friend is the kind who will hold your coat in a fight while you get your ass kicked. What a pal!
By alaindelon on September 7th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Patty,ask the marines at Parris Island why they are training?
So that in the USA, we can be buffonish,not clever and too desperate or
whatever we wish.God Bless America!
By southernmapart on September 7th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
The six days in June was “Blackjack” week. I’m gonna guess that both McConnell and Harrell knew the gameplan and that noone counted on the death of the prosecutor.
Heads up folks. It’s not over yet. I’m sticking with the gov.
By ohara on September 7th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Patty: “I think there are about 2, maybe 3 people repeatedly commenting on this thread, all with assumed names. And not being very clever about it either.”
Is that you Herb? Think you may have a point-stop using your wife’s name when you want to post & do say hello to Patty for me-we all know she thinks Sanford is scum.
By Longshot on September 7th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
I have it figured out. MS was keeping in contact with his staff on the personal email system so that the official email system wouldn’t be cluttered up. Remember Sawyer said personal emails were used for logistics purposes?
MS was probably giving them a detailed description of what was happening down there so they wouldn’t worry.
Now Jenny knew it was going on but Davis didn’t? I am not buying that one. Guy tells his wife and not his college roomie/chief of staff/buddie forever who Jenny calls for help? He had to have some contact as the driver who picked him up had to know when and where to go.
By MKinVA on September 7th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
southernmapart: What did she die of? What was she working on? What section of the AGs office was she assigned to? Spill the story on that. I’ve been waiting to hear.
By Skorpio on September 7th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Howard Rich Rules!!! on FITS…
By Candi on September 7th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
I heard thru the grapevine that MBC is in NYC. The person I heard it from is from Argentina, that the homewrecker is a huge tennis fan and try to come to the US Open every year – which explains the times the Governor met with her were in September. Not sure if rumor is true tho…
By CNSYD on September 8th, 2009 at 12:46 am
I would comment but Patty says I can’t.
By Todd on September 8th, 2009 at 8:34 am
southernmapart: I have no evidence at all she died of anything other than natural causes. She had stated to friends within 10 days before her death she knew of “strange things” and “horrible abuse of process” in Jean Toal’s office, but Henry Mc was not going to let anyone in that office do anything about it. Henry Mc could not stand the controversy in his quest for the governor’s office.
By scooter on September 8th, 2009 at 9:59 am
This excuse does not make one bit of difference. First, I do not believe it. Second, who cares? He still was AWOL. He never told the people that he should tell. He is so over in SC. The man needs to gather his stuff and go away. He is making a fool out of himself. He still has not gotten back to work. Traveling to a couple of luncheons does not count as work, dude. Somebody have the nerve to get rid of him. This looks bad for the Republican Party. I appreciate those who have stepped up to ask him to resign, the rest of you need to take a hike as well.
By ohara on September 8th, 2009 at 11:11 am
FITS is right again.
The Daily Beast just put out their interview with MS from last week:
Gov. Mark Sanford on His ‘Secret Agent Mission’
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-09-07/my-secret-agent-mission/full/
““You know,” the exhausted South Carolina governor says, “everybody is assigned their own secret-agent mission in life. And at times the tricky part, the hard part, is finding out what that is.”
Sanford is still into the “inner-Sanford” thing, still all about him, as he goes from Zen to 007, all in one week. Unfortunately for him, he sounds more like Daffy Duck. How does anyone (key question) in their right mind come up with this stuff?
By Jonny D on September 8th, 2009 at 11:28 am
Sorry to be late to the party, guys and gals, I was out of the country and without access to modern technology. What’s the issue du jour, willful neglect of duty? Four words, twelve letters, No Harm No Foul.
By shiya on September 8th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Sanford now claims he is James Bond…
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-09-07/my-secret-agent-mission/?cid=hp:mainpromo5
By Commonman on September 8th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Who owns the hunting preserve/retreat/love nest where the Guv and the Luv met for their tryst? He must have felt pretty secure being there. That is the question that has not been addressed.