A day after a legislative panel recommended that he not be impeached, S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford is reportedly girding for battle against his antagonists in the GOP-controlled S.C. General Assembly.
So much for the “walk humbly” approach …
The website SC Hotline is reporting Thursday that Sanford is “ready to unleash $1.8 M in coin on adversaries,” and quotes an unnamed source close to the governor as saying that there is “enough dirt to bury prominent grandstanding adversaries” in the legislative branch of government.
Sanford has $1.6 million on hand in his campaign account, according to the most recent filings with the S.C. State Ethics Commission.
Prior to his “summer of love” – and the subsequent scandals that have tarnished his fiscal conservative credentials – Sanford’s relationship with the General Assembly had been marked by constant bickering.
Of course, that didn’t stop him from endorsing dozens of legislative incumbents in 2004, at the height of his popularity with voters.
In 2006, Sanford largely stayed out of State House races to focus on his own reelection, while in 2008 the governor endorsed conservative Republicans in select races.
More recently, Sanford has been accused of targeting lawmakers who signed on to an impeachment resolution against him.
By Old Yeller December 10, 2009 at 2:31 pm
How much of the 1.6M on hand came from Illinois zip codes. That money came from Jenny’s family and friends. I bet some of those folks would rather sandbag just send that money back up there. I’m not sure how much they really knew they were investing in a philandering douchebag and his new agenda of political hack infighting with a bunch of rednecks.
By ohara December 10, 2009 at 2:40 pm
They should have impeached him when they had the chance. They were warned, but somehow I think that he will spare his new BFF Harrell.
By Michael S. Smith II December 10, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Around 2:00 p.m. on December 10, approximately 640 people had participated in online polls conducted by two major South Carolina newspapers regarding the matter of Mark Sanford’s future role in state politics.
“Do you think the legislative panel made the right decision in voting against impeachment for Gov. Sanford?” The State newspaper asked.
According to the results of The State’s poll as of slightly past 2:00 on December 10, 71 percent of respondents thought the committee made the wrong decision (199 votes), and only 29 percent supported the decision (80 votes).
Around that same time on December 10, The Post and Courier’s online poll of public moods regarding Sanford’s future in politics revealed 43 percent of respondents (157 votes) were in favor of impeachment while 29 percent (107) thought a censure was the appropriate step. Meantime, 26 percent (94 votes) of those who had voted by that time thought neither measure appropriate.
By PasserBy December 10, 2009 at 3:26 pm
If he ‘dumps dirt’ on other Pols, republican or democrat (I’m guessing mostly/all repubs) will any of it stick? Heck, dump dirt on all of them, and we’ll start with a clean slate next election cycle.
By Toyota Kawaski December 10, 2009 at 3:49 pm
“endorsed conservative republicans in 2008″ Except in House race 81 where he endorsed RINO Scotty Singer.
By Crooner December 10, 2009 at 3:54 pm
I never thought there was enough to impeach Sanford, but the whole discussion regarding the potential was so politically orchestrated it was a litle sickening. Especially since all of the politics were Republican. Did they really want Andre in, even if he promised not to run? Could they hold Andre to any such promise? Would Glenn have to step down to Lt. Guv post? How bad will it hurt the party if Sanford is the Guv come election time?
It’s like they all got together and decided they could weather the storm and just issue meaningless censures.
Not suggesting there should have been any other ultimate result, but it was all just a litle unseemly.
By Pat Hendrix December 10, 2009 at 4:04 pm
This might be the first time I’ve agreed with the Luv Guv. Let’s get some details; girlfriends, boyfriends, goat humping (Pickens County) and cocaine. Should be fun.
By Michael S. Smith II December 10, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Is SCHotline’s report meant to scare off Fits and any other independent news- and/or commentary-focused outlets?
Based on that report, it sure looks like the gov’s resorting to the same strong-man tactics that are a hallmark of the legacies of so many leaders from his soul mate’s “neck of the woods.”
Go get ‘em Mark! (I’m confident Jenny has been the brains behind any of your successes to date — and that without her behind you, you’ll just fall on your face. But at least it will be fun for us to watch.)
MICHAEL S. SMITH II
Two docs entered into the public record during the Impeachment Subcommittee’s hearings this week:
http://media.charleston.net/2009/pdf/Delleney_report.pdf
http://www.palmettotimes.com/pdfs/LetterToHouseImpeachmentSubcom.pdf
By Mark December 10, 2009 at 4:52 pm
I think Michael Smith has a love thing going on with Bauer.
Dude, give it a rest. I mean, you are quoting online polls? What next, breaking out the voodoo dolls?
By Ynot December 10, 2009 at 5:12 pm
dirt always comes back to haunt ya
By Michael S. Smith II December 10, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Mark:
What’s wrong with voodoo, “Dude”?
… Ouch! Again, my wife loves it when people suggest I’m gay — not that there’s anything wrong with that — in their comments posted on Fits.
Careful, Mark. You never know who’s watching. Let us know when you’re opinion starts to matter.
“XXX” (If you don’t understand what this refers to, Mark, you need to make a trip to Nola to learn a bit about that which you speak.)
MICHAEL S. SMITH II
By Michael S. Smith II December 10, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Almost forgot something. Mark Lisella is the wisest political consultant I’ve ever met.
Merry Christmas!
By Michael S. Smith II December 10, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Mark:
Oh, one last thing …
I confess: You’re not just an average monkey — you’re a well-below average monkey.
Again, let us know when you develop some relevance. Until then, “thanks for coming out,” ol’ sport.
Cheers!
By Alec December 10, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Okay, Toyota – I got it now! Couldn’t figure out if you were on Bobby Harrell’s payroll or Warren Tompkins’ hack-roll. Drumroll…..it’s Tompkins!
By Mark December 10, 2009 at 6:33 pm
I think I may have struck pay-dirt with my dig at Mr Smith. He sure is hollering like a bit dog.
Ouch!
By Jack Mehoff December 10, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Mickey watch out there about that monkey biz stuff… thing or you might get listed as a homo-phobic monkey hater and or RACIST in the NY Post Magazine… Hey we love Curios George, Jimmy the Microbe, The “fat ass” Babar’s we just did not want him The Curious ONE in The White House!
By Jack Mehoff December 10, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Anyone notice that Sanford got one of those jacked up $6.99 great clips hair coupon cuts for this photo… Not that it would not benefit some folks but the Gov…
By Ynot December 11, 2009 at 5:56 am
Hey Michael SmithII, I think I like you. ( nothing personal like the luvgov ok)
By Skidmarks December 11, 2009 at 6:56 am
Sanford is still Sanford. Don’t expect anything substantial as far as revelations. He’ll just bicker and complain about irrelevancies. And as usual, his handpicked slate of candidates will go nowhere.