Pressure grows for Sanford resignation; Update: DeMint hints that it’s time
posted at 2:15 pm on July 1, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
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Governor Mark Sanford’s seemingly unending series of confessions have produced new pressure from his allies to leave office. At least eight conservative Republican legislators in South Carolina have openly demanded his resignation after more details of Sanford’s indiscretions on public money came to light:
Six of 27 members of the conservative Senate Republican Caucus Tuesday night issued a letter calling on Gov. Mark Sanford to resign.
Two additional senators considered among Sanford’s staunchest allies, also said they want him to resign though they did not sign the letter. Two other senior senators who spoke to the State said Tuesday’s revelations moved them closer to asking Sanford to step down.
The letter was crafted by Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler, R-Cherokee, and was circulated among Senate Republicans on Tuesday. …
Martin’s reaction came after Sanford told The Associated Press he had more romantic meetings with his Argentinian lover, Maria Belen Chapur, than he previously admitted, including two trysts in New York.
Sanford told the news agency he also had “crossed the line” with other women.
I’d make a point about being the first to cast stones, but in this case, Sanford’s tossing them at himself. He seems unable to keep from holding confessionals with the media, giving bizarre details about line-crossing that recalls nothing so much as high-school boys using baseball analogies to describe their dating activities. The issue has become less one of a betrayal of public trust than of public embarrassment for South Carolina Republicans.
Normally, I’d advise against demanding a resignation for sexual indiscretions, unless they break the law in some significant manner. In Bill Clinton’s case, the issue wasn’t so much the affair with Monica Lewinsky — although it was as tawdry and exploitative as possible — but about perjury and obstruction of justice to keep it quiet. Sanford used his public travel to meet with his paramour, but that can be rectified through reimbursement; it’s not a felony, as is perjury and obstruction of justice. Normally, I’d say let the man finish his term and then allow the public to keep him in the private sector afterwards.
However, Sanford seems intent on political self-destruction on a scale not seen before at this level. The South Carolina Republicans have decided that they don’t want to participate in Sanford’s self-immolation, and I can’t blame them for that.
What do you think? Take the Hot Air poll:
Update: On request, added another Yes option and appended “other” to one of them.
Update (AP): Jim DeMint, arguably the most prominent and stalwart conservative in South Carolina, suggests that it’s time to pull the plug.
“He’s dropped the flag. The rest of us have to get up and go on,” DeMint said during an interview on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends.” “A lot of us are talking to him behind the scenes in hopes that he’ll make the right decision about what needs to be done.”
Asked what the “right decision” would be for Sanford, DeMint said: “I don’t want to say.”
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Remember character is what you do when no one is looking.
-somebody other than me
HoustonRight on July 1, 2009 at 3:01 PM
Oppsds..I forgot..or Governor
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 3:01 PM
Great take on the subject here.
ProfessorMiao on July 1, 2009 at 3:03 PM
Mark Sanford makes Al Franken look like a serious politician.
Bennett on July 1, 2009 at 3:03 PM
Meanwhile……back at the out house……things we piling up…
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 3:04 PM
I’ve got to stay consistent. I thought the infidelity was enough cause for Clinton to resign. I think the same holds true here. How can you hold a position of high public trust after doing what Sanford did? This isn’t just about state travel budgets or the public airing of dirty laundry. Sanford no longer has public integrity and he needs to go.
highhopes on July 1, 2009 at 3:04 PM
I think it’s wonderful that Mark Sanford can help the new guy out like that. The Lord will bless him.
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 3:05 PM
I can think of at least three laws that he broke.
1)The law against reminding some women of their former husband.
2) The law against reminding some women of their current husband or what may be going on his head.
3) The law against reminding some women of their future husband.
MB4 on July 1, 2009 at 3:05 PM
He should resign for the sake of his four sons, for whom he had little consideration when he was cheating on their mother and making public statements about a whore being his soulmate.
For the sake of those boys, get out of the public eye. Even if your wife won’t take you back (I wouldn’t), get out of the public eye and try to mend your relationships with them. If you think that relations haven’t changed with them, think again. That they’ll “understand”? BS.
Wethal on July 1, 2009 at 3:06 PM
LOL
cmsinaz on July 1, 2009 at 3:06 PM
The Lord teaches us to forgive.
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Yepper, I agree. I really wish he’d STFU…
ladyingray on July 1, 2009 at 3:07 PM
The people of S. Carolina elected him to serve them in the sate capitol, not to remain fidelitous.
daesleeper on July 1, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Sanford seems like such an unreliable crackpot because of how he has chosen to deal with his zipper issue. Acting like like a love-smitten 14 year old is not attractive in a middle aged man. A politician can survive marital infidelity but this endless round of soul-baring is just too much to endure, and I don’t even live in his state.
He needs to go.
cruadin on July 1, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Perhaps he’s only admitting his sins. One must bear the soul before it can be made clean again, Hallelujah.
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 3:10 PM
Picking my nose is what I do when no one is looking.
DarkCurrent on July 1, 2009 at 3:11 PM
I don’t believe that is all you do…
ladyingray on July 1, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Governor Sanford could learn from his mistakes and make a contribution. People can change. But from the way he keeps talking, he hasn’t learned yet, and his attention grabbing self-focus is not helping the battle against Obama.
Loxodonta on July 1, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Our thoughts and prayers should be with the whole Sanford family. If nothing else,,”It’s For The Children”
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Who cares? We’re living in the post Monica age. The people of SC will decide, let’s leave the Sanfords alone.
nazo311 on July 1, 2009 at 3:14 PM
The correct answer is:
I don’t care.
corona on July 1, 2009 at 3:14 PM
He is a distraction, and I hope he will resign soon because of that. If he truly wants to save his marriage, then he needs to get out of the spotlight.
But after all he said publically about his “soul mate”…he’d already have gotten the boot.
ladyingray on July 1, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Voted YES for “other.” He left his state for four days – actually intended to leave for TEN – and didn’t tell anyone where he was going, and didn’t have a “transfer of duties” in place for his deputy. That is plain old dereliction of duty, and not responsible behavior on the part of a state governor. If he’d left the state incommunicado for ten days to go charity hiking with the Boy Scouts I’d say the same thing.
If I didn’t show up for my job for ten days without taking vacation and being incommunicado I would be fired. Not to mention his current behavior is like someone experiencing a nervous breakdown.
I think he is, BTW. I said yesterday I thought he’d be in the hospital in 10 days or having resigned w/ no reason (to go privately to get medical treatment), and I still think so. Politicians just don’t continue to spew self damaging info like this unless they’re ill.
inviolet on July 1, 2009 at 3:15 PM
10 = 14
inviolet on July 1, 2009 at 3:16 PM
The punishment in addition to restitution is justice because a deterrent is needed to prevent potential criminals from thinking that the risk of committing a crime is worth it. That keeps people honest.
pedestrian on July 1, 2009 at 3:17 PM
Go, already, Sanford. A Republican will assume your office. Let the GOP in SC recover and move on.
J.E. Dyer on July 1, 2009 at 3:18 PM
Perhaps all that’s needed is a box of chocolates, some flowers, a $2 Hallmark card, and dinner out at Denny’s. One must have faith in true love.
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 3:18 PM
Is this the “Madman Theory” of the Governorship at work? It’s like he’s poured gasoline on himself and he’s threatening to strike a match.
Step down and seek counseling, Governor. You’ll feel a lot better.
Fallen Sparrow on July 1, 2009 at 3:20 PM
Lord NO!, I hope you’re kidding about that. Can you imagine how insensitive that would be if he burned something doing that!
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 3:22 PM
Yes, revenge is not Justice. And if you take something from me, then give it back and make amends, I’m quite willing for that to be the end of it for me. However, suppose you then turn around and take something from somebody else? Punishment, if properly carried out as a means of preventing further crime, is not revenge, but Justice.
Loxodonta on July 1, 2009 at 3:27 PM
Go away.
Yesterday.
artist on July 1, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Well, maybe not. But it is one of the few things I normally/frequently do but wouldn’t do while you were watching (unless compensation could be negotiated)
DarkCurrent on July 1, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Remember folks, that ain’t me.
Coronagold on July 1, 2009 at 3:29 PM
I really couldn’t care less about the personal lives of our political leaders. I used to, but I’ve grown wiser and less idealistic. So long as they aren’t breaking any laws, what happens behind closed doors is between them, their families and God.
Wisdom and experience have made me more pragmatic and I have come to grips with the fact that we don’t need role models in government. And it’s rather naive to expect all politicians to be choir boys, don’t you think?
Sanford’s Argentinian dalliance, however, is unacceptable and has undermined his ability to govern effectively. He turned off his cellphone and disappeared without a trace, apparently on the taxpayer dime.
When I was president of my company, I couldn’t imagine taking a 10-day sabbatical inside the country or abroad (Sanford had originally planned a 10-day hiatus, which he cut short because of the public firestorm over his whereabouts) without notifying my executive team and my clients. And I certainly wouldn’t have tolerated that kind of behavior from any of my employees.
Now Sanford wants forgiveness. As a Christian, I think he deserves it; however, forgiveness doesn’t require forgetfulness, nor does it automatically negate punishment.
Sanford violated the Palmetto state’s trust when he put his libido over his responsibilities as governor. He should resign or be removed.
ak2ary on July 1, 2009 at 3:39 PM
I really couldn’t care less about the personal lives of our political leaders. I used to, but I’ve grown wiser and less idealistic. So long as they aren’t breaking any laws, what happens behind closed doors is between them, their families and God.
Wisdom and experience have made me more pragmatic and I have come to grips with the fact that we don’t need role models in government. And it’s rather naive to expect all politicians to be choir boys, don’t you think?
Sanford’s Argentinian dalliance, however, is unacceptable and has undermined his ability to govern effectively. He turned off his cellphone and disappeared without a trace, apparently on the taxpayer dime.
When I was president of my company, I couldn’t imagine taking a 10-day sabbatical inside the country or abroad (Sanford had originally planned a 10-day hiatus, which he cut short because of the public firestorm over his whereabouts) without notifying my executive team and my clients. And I certainly wouldn’t have tolerated that kind of behavior from any of my employees.
Now Sanford wants forgiveness. As a Christian, I think he deserves it; however, forgiveness doesn’t require forgetfulness, nor does it automatically negate punishment.
Sanford violated the Palmetto state’s trust when he put his libido over his responsibilities as governor. He should resign or be removed.
ak2ary on July 1, 2009 at 3:39 PM
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 3:44 PM
We can discuss compensation for the other “few things” you do…
ladyingray on July 1, 2009 at 3:45 PM
Mark. You remember the old movie The Greatest Show on Earth. Charleston Heston and Jimmy Stewart were in it. It ends with a train wreck.
You are that train wreck. Stop it. You are finished. You are embarassing yourself, devestating your wife and children, and hurting the party. If you have any decency left at all, go away.
Mr. Joe on July 1, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Ed, you need to add a category:
Yes, because he went missing for a few days without informing anyone else in state government, thus being negligent in his duties. That coupled with his bizarre ongoing confession.
Dang, and I thought he’d be a formidable opponent to Dear Leader.
rbj on July 1, 2009 at 3:51 PM
The poor guy, he is just another victim of love. At least he isn’t having to pay hookers like the democrats do.
saiga on July 1, 2009 at 3:52 PM
I do not remember any public entity so insistent on sharing his heterosexuality since Michael Jackson kissed Lisa Marie Presley on MTV. This is the Oprah-fication of politics to an unusually bizarre degree. Is Sanford friendless and pastorless, not to mention witless and clueless? He needs an intervention STAT.
Terrie on July 1, 2009 at 3:56 PM
My question to those politicians using paid hookers is are they paying them as sub contractors and retaining proof of Workmans Comp insurance as well as providing the hooker a 1099 or are they treating the hooker as an employee and withholding FICA and issuing a W-2?
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 3:59 PM
No, that’s not justice. That’s merely restitution. Assuming a criminal act is involved (as in the case of a politician knowingly and deliberately “misappropriating” public funds for personal use, or a thief breaking in my house and stealing my TV), justice is not served until punishment has been administered. The only exception to this (and its more a caveat than an exception) is if the criminal (in my example, the politician or the thief, but I repeat myself) feels the pangs of conscience and personal remorse for his misdeeds before he has been caught – or preferably before there is even any knowledge that a crime has been committed, and in an act of penitent contrition goes to the victim and “fesses up” and makes restitution, returning what he has stolen. I would argue that even then “justice” has not been done, but in this circumstance “mercy” should come into play to temper justice.
The problem with politicians – and we’re the ones letting them get away with it – is that they steal from us, and they plan to keep it. It is only after they have been caught with their hands in the cookie jar that they promise to give the money back, and to never do that again. Which, in politician speak, means “I promise to be much more careful about covering my tracks next time I steal from the public coffers.” There is never true remorse or pangs of conscience, only embarrassment for having gotten caught.
Harrell on July 1, 2009 at 4:00 PM
I’m not a politician’s confessor, close friend, relative that cares, ex-wife, child or anyone else that really gives a flip about your bedroom antics. The only people I can think of that would sit still and listen to this guy’s drival is a paid psychiatrist or suicide prevention helpline. A man or woman’s character has a way of surfacing, sadly after messing up the lives of people around them. This is starting to get the eeeew stentch.
24K lady on July 1, 2009 at 4:04 PM
What about STFU doesn’t Mark Sanford understand???
marybel on July 1, 2009 at 4:08 PM
“Perhaps he’s only admitting his sins. One must bear the soul before it can be made clean again, Hallelujah.
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 3:10 PM”
Yeh, you do that before God and the party(ies) that were wronged and you do it privately as you can. He does owe the taxpayers of SC an apology and a check for his extracurricular activities. Beyond that, this is a private matter. The only thing he is doing is publically inflicting pain on his family. No matter how contrite or sympathetic he appears to some, to some of us he’s only hurting his state and his party. He can be as sorry as he wants after he turns in his resignation.
Vera71 on July 1, 2009 at 4:12 PM
Or perhaps he really sees himself as a tragic figure and is seeking the public’s sympathy.
Oblivious to the harm he is doing to his family. Now that’s a tragedy.
ProfessorMiao on July 1, 2009 at 4:19 PM
Mark Sanford is going to try and fall back in love with his wife…first what is Sanford’s definition of love because obviously it involves hips tan lines and the way one can hold ones self and kiss him delicately. Isn’t this the stuff teenage boys write into Penthouse about? So Love I doubt it he thinks dressing it up in blue prose makes it what? Well for his age kinda pathetic. Governor Mark Sanford if your wife hasn’t told you, I will, you are not Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Matthew Mcconaughey, you’re not even Tom Cruise in Les Grossman makeup…Sorry it’s called Tuff Love SNICKER.
Mrs Sanford you already have 4 sons, do you really need to raise 5? Get a Nanny for your sons, and a pool boy for you ;)
Dr Evil on July 1, 2009 at 4:27 PM
In Islamic countries, they don’t waste money on ‘justice’. A situation like this they would just cut off his hands. That would prevent them from stealing.
I assure you that the Madoff victims would rather have their money back than him in jail.
As for Mark Sanford, I’m in NC and I’d trade our governor for him in a nanosecond.
ThackerAgency on July 1, 2009 at 4:30 PM
Mark Sanford kind of making himself irrelevant, people keep reminding themselves of alternatives…keep digging that hole Governor.
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/jeff-poor/2009/07/01/jenny-sanford-governor-kudlow-moore-urge-s-c-first-lady-run-husbands-seat
Dr Evil on July 1, 2009 at 4:33 PM
I don’t disagree with anything you have posted here or in your post to which I previously replied, other than the notion that punishment is revenge. It can be incredibly unjust, as you point out, but that’s not how our Justice System works which still includes punishment. And, for example, coddling children instead of providing appropriate punishment to them, can result in a spoiled, narcissistic culture of adults who have little if any self-discipline or control and elect people who are just like themselves: Obama! So, I agree with you that restitution is always desirable, just not as a substitute for punishment.
Sanford may well make a better governor than Bev Perdue. I don’t know anything about her other than she’s a Democrat, but that is a strong indicator in favor of Sanford. Now, if you are a Sanford supporter, would you please try to get him to shut up and do his job? Thanks.
Loxodonta on July 1, 2009 at 4:48 PM
I can forgive a lot, but flat out stupidity is hard to get over. Had he apologized and moved on, perhaps OK, but to continue to babble on like a high schooler debating whether to go with the one mom likes or the one with hot body is a sure way to indicated you have lost your freaking mind. Assuming there was one there to begin with.
pgrossjr on July 1, 2009 at 4:53 PM
You’re probably right, but that’s not the point. Justice is not an “either/or” type of thing, where the criminal can “either” return what was taken unlawfully, “or” he can go to jail. Justice is not “either/or” but “both/and”. In order for justice to be carried out, Madoff should be required to both repay what he defrauded, and go to jail. His victims would certainly love to have their money back, but do you really think that even they would think that justice had been done if he were somehow able to repay all the money, but then allowed to go free to perhaps defraud someone else and not get caught?
In terms of the political class that makes it a habit of “misappropriating” public funds for personal benefit, I do not get any satisfaction at all when, after they have been caught, they promise to pay the money back. Yes, I’m happy the public monies have been restored, but the crook is still in a position to steal again… but with greater care next time. Gov. Sanford “misappropriated” public funds for his trysts. The fact that he promises to repay those monies now is irrelevant as long as he remains in a position to “misappropriate” again… but with greater care next time.
Harrell on July 1, 2009 at 4:54 PM
He may need to step down and his wife step up into his position since she only has one head to use and obviously he has been using the wrong one.
workingforpigs on July 1, 2009 at 7:56 PM
How about because of A. B and C?
Enough already. The man is psycho, make him go, for both his sake and ours.
A man like him doesn’t even know what love is! Anyone who has an affair is completely clueless what true love is.
Soulmate, make me gag.
Joy on July 1, 2009 at 9:06 PM
resign.
sDs61678 on July 2, 2009 at 1:25 AM
Mark, bubula! It’s time to get a visa and make your way to Argentina to shack up with the babe. The marriage thing is over. And why? I know I’d get a little tired of my wife being speech writer, campaign director, advisor, policy wonk and everything else. Talk about consuming your life! Nobody could take that for long. Just look at the Clintons! Disappear to Argentina for a year. When you get back nobody will know your name.
kens on July 2, 2009 at 1:14 PM
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