Sanford Broke “Several” Ethics Laws, Probe Finds
S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford committed “several” violations of state ethics law, according to the undisclosed findings of a three-month investigation into his administration conducted by the S.C. State Ethics Commission.
The Commissioners – all of whom were appointed by the governor (and several of whom have contributed to his campaign) – refused to release the preliminary ethics report outlining the nature and scope of Sanford’s offenses, however, even though the S.C. Supreme Court recently granted them the authority to do so at their discretion.
Having found “probable cause” that ethics laws were broken by the governor, the commissioners must now schedule a hearing on the alleged offenses, which are believed to focus on travel and campaign finance violations.
It will be up to Sanford whether or not to make that hearing public, although the governor has already broken a previous pledge to allow the commission to conduct its business in the open.
Indeed, details of today’s preliminary report were not released by the commission – which conducted its day-long meeting behind closed doors. That means the public has no idea what compelled them to recommend that the governor be brought up on formal charges.
So much for transparency, right?
Sanford’s administration started coming under intense scrutiny earlier this year when the governor took a secretive trip to Argentina to see his Latin lover, Maria Belen Chapur. After being caught lying about his whereabouts, Sanford later confessed to the affair.
Shortly thereafter, the governor refunded several thousand taxpayer dollars that went to fund a prior “economic development” mission to Argentina, a trip that now appears to have been set up solely for the purpose of facilitating a liaison between Sanford and Chapur.
Multiple additional travel and campaign finance violations have been alleged, some of which may have exposed the governor to a tax liability.
The governor’s office did not immediately return calls seeking comment regarding the commission’s findings.
Sanford and his attorneys have steadfastly insisted from the beginning of the scandal that the governor broke no laws, a claim that now seems dubious at best.
Developing …
Comments
By anonymous on November 18th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
“In an effort to once again go the extra mile, I would like to waive my right to confidentiality in your upcoming ethics probe”
By AMAZING on November 18th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
*************************************************************************
Sanfraud said:
“In an effort to once again go the extra mile, I would like to waive my right to confidentiality in your upcoming ethics probe”
*************************************************************************
By Skidmarks on November 18th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Sanford broke several ethics laws.
But the report won’t be released until Sanford explains what?
By Liberty For Me on November 18th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Other than Ron Paul and maybe Jeff Flake…I almost expect these politicians to be dong unethical things.What a sad comment to have to make.That is what truly is wrong with this country and will be its demise.
By AMAZING on November 18th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A South Carolina ethics panel said Wednesday that Gov. Mark Sanford should face charges he violated state laws tied to a three-month investigation into his travel and campaign finances.
The State Ethics Commission decision did not provide details of its decision or the specific charges Sanford would face during a hearing of the panel early next year. Officials said those details — which should include whether the accusations involve civil or criminal allegations — will be released next week.
The commission “found probable cause exists on several allegations. They wanted me to point out that a finding of probable cause is not a finding of guilt. It is only one phase in the process,” said Herb Hayden, the commission’s executive director, after a daylong, closed-door meeting of the panel.
Sanford lawyer Butch Bowers did not immediately comment on the outcome.
Questions about Sanford’s use of state, private and commercial planes arose after he disappeared from the state in June and said he had been in Argentina visiting his mistress.
Associated Press investigations found Sanford violated bans on using state planes for personal and political purposes and sitting in pricey commercial seats. The AP also found he failed to properly report travel on planes owned by friends and donors.
The State of Columbia newspaper also reported questionable personal reimbursements to the governor from his campaign account.
*******************************************************************
By Todd on November 18th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Slap him on the wrist, tell him not to do it anymore and let’s move on. South Carolina doesn’t have the money or time to spend on a lame duck less than a year left has been like Mark.
By SC Integrity on November 18th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
SC doesn’t have any shred of a ruined reputation to spare and above all constituents with ethics and expectations deserve infinitely better. Not a single day in office should be awarded to a delinquent.
Ever hear of a deterrent? Just imagine what the high climbers to come will be expecting to get away with.
Feel free to lick a limp duck if that’s your fetish.
By Jimmie Godges on November 18th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
I will tell you what the viloations are, free plane rides from that stupid Sanfraud buddy AKA DMV committe Dodgeland guy J.T. Gandolfo In one high-profile case in June, the State Law Enforcement Division brought tag abuse charges against J.T. Gandolfo, the owner of Dodgeland of Columbia and a former adviser to Sanfraud, and the other is accepting gifts at political functions and flying on the most expensive planes.
By Liberty For Me on November 18th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Todd..you are ABSOLUTLEY right!!!It does not make sense to do anything else
By EX UGA fan on November 18th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
I agree with Todd, too. Let’s get on with the important things that are facing our state and nation! These allegations against Gov. Sanford are ridiculous especially in comparison to the truly IMPORTANT and SERIOUS items facing our state! Can’t we be MATURE!
By Ynot on November 19th, 2009 at 5:37 am
Impeach this man. Get rid of him. Restore ethical people to positions of power . Disallow people with oaths and obligations to places like C Street to hold office. Immediately.
Sanfraud can cause even more serious damage to the state if not immediately removed from the highest office.
Remember he is still intent to ” restructure” the state government. Remember he wants DHEC under his personal control…. and people, that’s YOUR health.
He already rules your wealth and retirement. Remember the stimulus battle?
By Richard on November 19th, 2009 at 6:47 am
I think a full investigation of every legislative member should be done. It is time for each to prove they deserve to represent us and abide by the rules and laws they set.
As far as riding first class on trips. I want my governor riding first class. Stop treating the position as if it is another bag boy job. It is a prestigious position that deserves the security and comfort of the tireless and thankless job that it is.
Leaving the state unattended warrants a deep discussion, but not impeachment. Hell, burning through a multi millions of tax payer dollars every year by the legislature is a criminal offense.
His affair, while unfortunate for us to have witnessed is between he and his family.
But frankly, if this pandoras box continues to open I would like for it to open up all the way to include the entire legislature.
By wlaso on November 19th, 2009 at 7:38 am
Sanford is an admitted liar, cheat and theif but we have become conditioned to accept this from SC politicians. If he had the maturity and integrity to put his children and the State of SC above his own ego and perverse sense of entitlement, he would have resigned. If he were remorseful in any way, he would not continue to put the state through the embarrassment and expense of his remaining in office. He has proved that he is not trustworthy and cannot be trusted with state funds. That should be more than sufficient to rid the state of the continued burden of supporting him. When his wife’s book tour takes off next Spring once again the state will be subjected to the Sanford circus.
By No Way! on November 19th, 2009 at 8:22 am
just leave him alone. Damage done> Lets focus on economy and jobs
By samkinson on November 19th, 2009 at 8:57 am
Just leave him alone, WAAAAAAAAA DO YOU NEED MAMA’S NIPPLE CRY BABY ,,,,SANFRAUD IS A BIG BOY WE WANT LEAVE HIS ASS ALONE TO HE RESIGNS LIKE THE LYING LOSER HE IS!!
By Jonny D on November 19th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Probable cause on a few chickenshit charges huh, it ain’t no big thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xag7I3q1pw
By Gene E. Nowak on November 19th, 2009 at 10:34 am
Guilty until he proves himself innocent.
By PandaChris on November 19th, 2009 at 10:54 am
Sanford shoule be left alone and this impeachment issue dropped.
Of course, that is only AFTER he resigns and moves out of the governor’s office.
By proudofsc on November 19th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Those of you crying for us to leave him alone and for other more important issues to be addressed baffle me. Are honor, integrity, honesty, and reliability no longer criteria for leaders or for anyone for that matter? For those of you who cry for the Legislature to be examined, as well, you are just buying into Sanford’s smokescreen of the past 7 years. I know some of them are just as unethical, but don’t paint the entire body as such.
I also believe there should be consequences for behavior such as Sanford’s. Certainly, those pleading for him to be allowed to finish his term would not hold the same regard for someone who offended them personally i.e. assualt of home or family.
Please say we aren’t reduced to the lowest common denominator for
a governor.
By scooter on November 19th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
I hope that all of the posts that seem to be saying to leave Sanford alone are posted in jest. I do not think any reasonable person would want to let him stay in office a day longer. He is corrupt and a liar and cares not one bit about the people in SC. He has been draggin his feet for months, doing nothing but cry and lie like a bad boy. SC can not allow him to stay in office. What does that say about us? We already have people laughing at Sanford, Wilson, DeMint and that guy with the horse. Please, please lets act like we have some education, common sense and self respect. I am tired of friends and family in other states asking me about these people. They try not to laugh, but they end up doing so.
By Judy on November 19th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
sinfraud said himself let the chips fall where they may .. hope they fall soon and he’s on a plane to his “soul mate” and live happily ever after
By ohara on November 19th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
I’s pretty bad when San-fraud’s bought & paid for ethics commission releases the “probable cause” statement. Sanford, you are such a lyin’ bozo, for god’s sake, resign. You may drag this out, but I will personally contribute to the “Impeach Sanford Now” fund to help offset fees to the state. It will be the best money spent in years.
By Judy on November 19th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
amen .. please leave .. return to Argentina.. and your love
By AMAZING on November 19th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
House Speaker Bobby Harrell has called on Gov. Mark Sanford to release a disputed investigative report into the governor’s possible ethical or criminal violations stemming from his travel and use of campaign funds.
Harrell, R-Charleston, argued a Nov. 5 S.C. Supreme Court ruling made the report public, and that Sanford is not living by standards he has demanded of others.
“We are disappointed that Governor Sanford has broken his transparency promise by keeping this court-ordered public document secret,” Harrell said in a statement. “After claiming to be a leader in the transparency movement and heavily criticizing others on this issue, the Governor’s insistence on secrecy goes against all his past actions on this issue.”
Harrell has asked the Supreme Court to clarify their decision about whether the House and public can access the report. Sanford’s attorneys and the S.C. State Ethics Commission have until tomorrow to file arguments in the case.
Sanford has asked the Ethics Commission to prevent staff from releasing the report to lawmakers or the public, arguing it could undermine Sanford’s defense. Harrell also criticized the eight Ethics commissioners for choosing to give the report to Sanford’s attorneys during a closed-door session.
*****************************************************************
By EX UGA fan on November 19th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
I believe most people agree with Todd! Let it be!!! Our country is going down the drain and all of our energy and efforts and those of our elected officials need to focus on these problems. Take a hard look at Pres. Obama and his cronies and Governor Sanford looks like a true Saint!!!
By ohara on November 19th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Looks like Sanford isn’t taking the threat of impeachment very seriously. He’s in Texas( not sure it’s on his schedule for this week) for the Republican Governor’s Association Meeting. Has anyone seen his schedule?
Just wondering if this is a taxpayer funded political trip? The agenda is how to defeat the democrats in the senate. Are we paying for this one? Did Markie run out of Kiwanis & Rotary meetings to go to?
If he’s finished with politics, what’s he doing in Texas?
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/19/sanford-sighting/
By alaindelon on November 19th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
What he is doing in Texas? probably trysting with Maria Chapur and you
are paying for it.
By scooter on November 19th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
To Ex-UGA: you have got to be kidding! the man must go–now. He can not be any more embarrassing, and unethical. Our President is a good man, who is trying to help all of us. Sanford only helps himself.
By Soft Sigh From Hell on November 19th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
“Remember he wants DHEC under his personal control…. and people, that’s YOUR health.”
Sanford could hardly do any worse on the environmental side.
By AMAZING on November 19th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Sanfraud is reporting private plane trips a day after a panel charged the two-term Republican with violations of ethics laws.
Sanfraud wants to report previously unrecorded flights he took on planes owned by friends and campaign donors, a state ethics official said Thursday, even as the governor’s lawyer continued to defend his travel practices.
“He provided us with information about each of those flights and requested those be included as an amendment to previous filings,” Herb Hayden, executive director of the State Ethics Commission, said a day after a panel charged the two-term Republican with violations of ethics laws.
*********************************************************************
By Dr Manhattan on November 19th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
I see Team Sanfraud has fucking bloggers on here, well all of you can take your Go Sanfraud Bullshit somewhere else you want be getting any support for your bastard Sanfraud here. Until he is gotdamn impeached or leaves office this state will be on fucking hold and the pressure on him will not stop.
By Quad on November 19th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
http://i49.tinypic.com/ve7oes.jpg
By AMAZING on November 20th, 2009 at 9:08 am
House Speaker Pro Tempore Harry Cato said he also was frustrated at having to wait for details of the charges, and said the probable cause finding, even without the details, “does change things.”
“We know now there is something there,” he said. “It gives me a little heartburn that legal counsel represents this as minor and technical, however we’re not going to show you what it is.”
Rep. William Sandifer of Seneca, chairman of the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, predicted that the charges, no matter the details, “will be the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
“I think it’s indicative of the fact that this is more wrongdoing than we first thought,” he said.
**************************************************************
By patricia on November 20th, 2009 at 11:47 am
It is so hard to be a hypocrite these days…
Sanford is all for transparency if the subject is not himself.