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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Mark Sanford is a nobody. Nothing he does matters to the rest of us.
faraway on July 1, 2009 at 2:19 PM
You’re becoming a major distraction. Time to go.
Go join Spitzer and host The Luv Govs managing relationships in the governor’s mansion.
Iblis on July 1, 2009 at 2:19 PM
Where’s the Oswald “End of Western Society” Spengler option?
eforhan on July 1, 2009 at 2:19 PM
Governor Soulmate is talking himself right out of office and right out of a chance at political redemption.
myrenovations on July 1, 2009 at 2:19 PM
I want to pick YES, but not because he cheated on his wife Or the fact that the talks too much about it.
So, I just won’t vote. Hate it when that happens!
bridgetown on July 1, 2009 at 2:19 PM
Let Mrs. Sanford take over as Governor. She seems to have a good head on her shoulders. He needs to go away already.
ErinF on July 1, 2009 at 2:19 PM
We need pics of Maria in order to make a determination. More research please.
faraway on July 1, 2009 at 2:20 PM
Never before have I seen someone so proud of something that goes so heavily against everything he professes to believe in.
Kelligan on July 1, 2009 at 2:20 PM
The guy has shown himself to be immoral and led by some part of his body besides his brain and spirit. Not fit for office. (Of course, many Dems in office are also unfit for the same reasons, but it doesn’t seem to affect them.)
Christian Conservative on July 1, 2009 at 2:21 PM
Should have had “Yes, for spending state money.” I do not care if he pays it back. The damage is done.
WashJeff on July 1, 2009 at 2:22 PM
I need an option for “Yes, because he likely used taxpayer resources to fund an illicit affair.”
Flyover Country on July 1, 2009 at 2:22 PM
He’s in heat. Is there some medication he can take? Or an exorcism?
faraway on July 1, 2009 at 2:22 PM
Sanford lied, not just to his wife but to everyone else, that’s enough for me; go away.
Bishop on July 1, 2009 at 2:23 PM
Strange, strange man.Just go away and leave your wife some dignity.
sandee on July 1, 2009 at 2:23 PM
Yes, he needs to go. He’s embarassing his family, himself, his party, and the people of South Carolina.
Doughboy on July 1, 2009 at 2:24 PM
In these issues, I think whether he leaves or stays should be left up to the Republicans in South Carolina. I can imagine a nation-wide poll on my Governor Rick Perry when he talk succession. Frankly, I ate it up like a Texas filet.
Marcus on July 1, 2009 at 2:24 PM
The Lt Governor is a worse alternative. Let Sanford serve out his term as a preempt and slink away into oblivion. He’s cooked anyway.
a capella on July 1, 2009 at 2:24 PM
STFU and do your damn job! No one wants to know if you prefer a cattle prod to a ball gag.
HornetSting on July 1, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Need an “all of the above” option on the yes possibilities.
Darth Executor on July 1, 2009 at 2:25 PM
I hope Gov. Sanford and his wonderful wife can find a way to get back together. I’m sure deep down we’d all like to see them become the Brady family of S.C. again.
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 2:27 PM
I want to Vote–Yes, Because he has severely tarnished his reputation and made questionable decisions (trips, meetings, lies,etc) as a public office holder. The vote to go should be based on questionable actions as a public office holder.
KDB on July 1, 2009 at 2:27 PM
What law did he break again?
Notorious GOP on July 1, 2009 at 2:27 PM
But Sanford told us he has Jesus and King David supporting him!
Speedwagon82 on July 1, 2009 at 2:28 PM
This guy gives Eliot Spitzer a good name. Almost.
bradley11 on July 1, 2009 at 2:28 PM
But they’ve got to be politically smart about doing it. Who takes over if he resigns and for how long? What are the electoral procedures for a special election? What are the timeframes for that election( don’t want a repeat of the morons running the MN elections).
Bottom line, Sanford needs to resign but there is much more context than just getting him out of office. The GOP needs to tread in such a way that they don’t get a racist like Clyburn calling all the shots.
highhopes on July 1, 2009 at 2:28 PM
I hope he enjoyed his 15 minutes of fame…
At least he does seem to have the smarts (once the mind-dumbing hormones calm down) to make it in the private sector, because that’s where his one-way-ticket is taking him. Politically, he’s done.
This. I can’t believe this wasn’t an option.
ChristianRock on July 1, 2009 at 2:29 PM
You guys REALLY need an all of the above button.
portlandon on July 1, 2009 at 2:29 PM
2 words Zip it
enough…..he dug is his own grave on this one…
cmsinaz on July 1, 2009 at 2:29 PM
Jeff, if my husband said he found his “soul mate” and it wasn’t me he would be so out of here….How do you take back a man who says he wants to “try” to fall in love with his wife again? Good bye jerk and don’t let the door hit you on the way out.I mean Sanford not you Jeff.
sandee on July 1, 2009 at 2:29 PM
I’m beginning to wonder whether this is the political version of “suicide by cop”.
Mike OMalley on July 1, 2009 at 2:29 PM
Yes, he failed in his most important commitments to wife and children. Then, he further illustrated his obvious lack of wisdom in handling the aftermath. Makes one question his ability to lead his state. Time to go.
balkanmom2 on July 1, 2009 at 2:30 PM
SEE ya!!
tree hugging sister on July 1, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Oh, it’s an option now. Can I vote again?
ChristianRock on July 1, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Spitzer at least was promoting NY commerce by importing NY whores to DC. Lord knows they don’t need more whores of any stripe in DC but at least he was buying local.
highhopes on July 1, 2009 at 2:30 PM
As the saying goes “loose lips sink ships”.
It almost appears as if he is becoming a little mentally unglued under the pressure as his personal life falls apart. I feel bad for his family and the problems he has created but he really needs to use little discretion if he wants to remain in office.
Miss Molly on July 1, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Yes. Something is not right with this man. Maybe his soulmate can help him figure it out, if lasts more than a week now that the “excitement” is gone.
Loser.
lostinjrz on July 1, 2009 at 2:32 PM
Yes, because he can’t stop talking about it. Normally I’d hope Sanford would hang in there and hope for the best. But his mouth is compounding the damage too much for him to stay.
Jim DeMint on FNC this morning wouldn’t predict outright what Sanford would do, but it sounded to me like he was thinking Sanford would resign sometime next week.
petefrt on July 1, 2009 at 2:32 PM
HornetSting on July 1, 2009 at 2:25 PM
And people at work wonder why I laugh so much, and occassionally have to move the keyboard.
LincolntheHun on July 1, 2009 at 2:33 PM
Sanford should not quit, but it wouldn’t hurt if he would STFU and get back to work.
Clinton’s legacy is that cheating on your wife, and using your political power to destroy women is no reason to leave office. America supported him in this so they can now support Sanford for his marriage malfeasance.
DannoJyd on July 1, 2009 at 2:33 PM
Shhh.. I want to hear him brag about his conquests some more.
Daggett on July 1, 2009 at 2:33 PM
:)
petefrt on July 1, 2009 at 2:34 PM
It’s time for Sanford to shut his mouth, and do his job…
phreshone on July 1, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Hate the sin, love the sinner.
faraway on July 1, 2009 at 2:34 PM
How about “Yes, because she wasn’t hot enough” ?
lorien1973 on July 1, 2009 at 2:35 PM
Naugh, Sanford is a silly fool. Spitzer would seem to have issues of around 7 or maybe 7.5 on the “Silence of the Lambs” scale of 1 to 10.
You might want to check out just what his prostitute said Spitzer’s preferred form of sex was.
Mike OMalley on July 1, 2009 at 2:35 PM
Perhaps we should pray hard for these two obvious love birds. A marriage is a sacred thing and we should do everything in our power to save it. Now if this opinion I stated is uncomfortable, just let me know and I’ll modify it.
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 2:36 PM
Yeah and Clinton’s party lost his office the next election. Do we really want to follow that precedent? If Democrats win the South Carolina governorship, the “GOP is dead” stories will increase 100 fold.
Speedwagon82 on July 1, 2009 at 2:36 PM
If people had to leave office whenever they piss off their spouse, there would be no one left to hold office except beta makes and fat chicks.
pedestrian on July 1, 2009 at 2:36 PM
Exit stage right.
BuckeyeSam on July 1, 2009 at 2:37 PM
I miss the old Jeff from WI…..
cmsinaz on July 1, 2009 at 2:37 PM
Sanford should stop talking about his infidelity and reimburse the State for all expenses associated with it. He’s damaged goods and his continued talking is damaging our ability to focus on fighting Obama.
Loxodonta on July 1, 2009 at 2:39 PM
Sanford has lost his way. We can argue about the details – but – he really does need to step down, work on his own issues, and give the people of S.C. a leader who is not encumbered with all the issues Sanford currently faces.
Here’s hoping Sanford has enough lucidity to see this and get out soon!
pbundy on July 1, 2009 at 2:39 PM
When the problem becomes such a distraction…get rid of the problem, bye, bye Sanford.
right2bright on July 1, 2009 at 2:39 PM
Argentine Pres. Kirschner is on the ropes. There may be a place for Sanford there.
JiangxiDad on July 1, 2009 at 2:40 PM
Serve the people of S. Carolina Gov. Sanford. Screw the critics.
daesleeper on July 1, 2009 at 2:40 PM
pedestrian, I see where you are coming from, but this is a little more than pissing off your spouse. The guy has been cheating on his wife for years.Now, if she ends up ok with it it’s up to her. I’m just saying it wouldn’t be ok with me.
sandee on July 1, 2009 at 2:40 PM
Not quite, skippy. Spitzer diddled a whore. Sanford diddled himself by being impatient.
HornetSting on July 1, 2009 at 2:40 PM
I think that, unless you are planning an Honduran style special referendum, Lt Governor “Fast” André Bauer might be next in line.
Sanford’s career is over – unless he switches parties that is – but I have seen no indication that he is not qualified to finish his term.
Word of advice: the media is not your friend. STFU!
Laurence on July 1, 2009 at 2:42 PM
It’s summer time folks……..
……… get outside and enjoy yourselves.
Seven Percent Solution on July 1, 2009 at 2:42 PM
Ed, with the exception of a couple of minor points, I agree with you. However, your observation that “Sanford used his public travel to meet with his paramour, but that can be rectified through reimbursement” is where we part company. Perhaps, as you say, this isn’t a “felony.” That is irrelevant in my book. Should a thief break into my house and steal my TV, and then promise to “rectify through reimbursement” after he has been apprehended by the police, I will be happy to have my TV back. But he’s still a thief and he should still go to jail.
When did we, as Americans, become so relaxed in our notion of justice that we are willing to turn a blind eye to what amounts to thievery among the political class… as long as they promise to “rectify [the theft] through reimbursement” if, and when, they are caught? Yes, he should reimburse the state of South Carolina, and then he should be tried for theft (or if you want to use a phrase dripping with political niceties, call it “misappropriation of public funds”) and removed from office. It thoroughly galls me that politicians seem to have the impression that they can steal from the public coffers as long as they don’t get caught, and as long as they promise to “rectify through reimbursement” if they are caught.
Harrell on July 1, 2009 at 2:43 PM
FIFY
gatorboy on July 1, 2009 at 2:43 PM
The guy is clearly not thinking about South Carolina very much. If he had won the battle with Obama on the stimulus funds, I might say he should stay. But he was the loser.
joe_doufu on July 1, 2009 at 2:43 PM
He was an insensitive racist, sexist oaf. I plan to be dull, boring, but well liked and cause no one to become “uncomfortable” or to cry.
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 2:43 PM
He should be divorced because he cheated on his wife and can’t stop talking about it.
He should resign or be ousted because he abandoned his responsibilities as governor.
DarkCurrent on July 1, 2009 at 2:44 PM
I don’t really have a opinion on this either way. I think the citizens of his state should make the decision. Yet, I do find it interesting that GOP members must leave office if they cheat on their wives and Democrats going all the way back to JFK are consider cool studs that deserve a high five. As for Spitzer, prostitution is illegal, having a consenting mistress isn’t as far as I know. Not condoning it, just wondering out loud at the double standard. We keep axing our candidates because they cheat we won’t need to worry if win, we’ll end up losing in the end. This kind of stuff is precedent setting, isn’t it?
Sultry Beauty on July 1, 2009 at 2:44 PM
Yes, because he abandoned his post and left the country for several days, making no arrangements for the conduct of state business in his absence; fed his staff lies to conceal his whereabouts; cheated on his wife; is maliciously maximizing public humiliation to his wife and children; and seems generally to have lost his marbles.
Please go away, get professional help, and do not EVER return.
james23 on July 1, 2009 at 2:44 PM
It is?? It’s cloudy and 56
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 2:45 PM
james23, Amen!
sandee on July 1, 2009 at 2:46 PM
I was one of the first to think (and say) that his personal business is his own and he shouldn’t have to leave office for it. But the fact that he continues to incriminate himself and make a very private issue-a very PUBLIC issue, I think it’s best that he resign and go to Argentina and spare the state of SC, the Republican party, and more importantly, his wife and children, any further pain and humiliation.
LiquidH2O on July 1, 2009 at 2:47 PM
Sensitive people make me uncomfortable. I am over sensitive to sensitivity.
myrenovations on July 1, 2009 at 2:47 PM
Not that I’m complaining about it being cloudy and 56 because someone might really like cloudy or 56 or both and I wouldn’t want to offend them.
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 2:47 PM
This is EASY for politicians to ‘demand’ that he resign. He won’t resign. Demand all you want. Poll all you want. But the bottom line is that unless he resigns, he’ll live out his term.
There isn’t any evidence to remove him from office. He shouldn’t resign. He’s getting everything out now so that if he does run for office again, he won’t have to worry about some compromising information.
People are already calling him to resign, you can’t call for him to resign MORE. He won’t resign and now in the future, you can’t say that you didn’t know this information about him.
I actually find it refreshing that a politician is coming clean even when he hasn’t been caught. It’s easy for a politician to make a name for themselves by ‘condemning’ something. But their ‘condemnation’ doesn’t change the fact that he didn’t break a law, and he won’t resign.
ThackerAgency on July 1, 2009 at 2:48 PM
:-)
cmsinaz on July 1, 2009 at 2:49 PM
(Snickering to myself) I know how hard it is to go through life so sensitive. I’d say it’s terrible but I wouldn’t want to upset anyone.
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 2:49 PM
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 2:47 PM
:-)
cmsinaz on July 1, 2009 at 2:49 PM
(LOL)
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 2:49 PM
And Sanford responds by tearfully confessing his masturbatory techniques and frequency, including a detailed accounting of the fantasies and viewing materials he likes to employ in order to get the job done.
aero on July 1, 2009 at 2:50 PM
WTF is up with this poll?
No “All of The Above” before “Unsure”?
bluelightbrigade on July 1, 2009 at 2:50 PM
What is it with this guy? He not only cheats on his wife, uses taxpayer funds for his little tryst, publicly humiliates his wife and sons…and he has the audacity to think he should stay in office? Get out, already. People elected you to service the public, not Argentinian divas.
scalleywag on July 1, 2009 at 2:51 PM
Sanford has clearly cracked. There’s no possibility that he could be thinking clearly and yet continue digging his own political grave with such apparent enthusiasm. Nothing about this situation has suggested that the guy is thinking straight.
Murf76 on July 1, 2009 at 2:52 PM
Thank you. I was just about to say, I like cloudy and 56.
petefrt on July 1, 2009 at 2:52 PM
Diddle a whore or diddle myself… Diddle a whore or diddle myself?
We often fail when faced with moral dilemmas like this.
DarkCurrent on July 1, 2009 at 2:53 PM
That’s not justice, it’s revenge. If Madoff had the money to give to his clients, he probably wouldn’t have the sentence that he has.
if I take something from you, but then give it back, that IS JUSTICE. Punishing someone on top of that is revenge.
ThackerAgency on July 1, 2009 at 2:53 PM
……Well, with this obama economy, you have to be frugal, Dark. ;{
HornetSting on July 1, 2009 at 2:54 PM
Mark Sanford should resign. Aside from adultery and the abuse of the public trust (and monies), he does not sound like he is right in the head. He is a man coming undone who seems incapable of governing a large fast food order, much less an entire state.
He cannot possibly do the hard work of repentance and reconciliation with his family, as well as serve the people of South Carolina while he obsesses over his mistress, his “soul mate.” He is very clearly not done with her. It is only a matter of time before he – yet again – abandons his wife, children and constituents to fly to her. His daily proclamations of the forbidden, endless love he shares with his partner in adultery sounds like nothing more than advance notice.
Surely his refusal to resign has less to do with his willingness to lead, than his being aware that ol’ pineapple-head is not going to want just another guy who cheats on his wife. She can get one of those anywhere. And has, to hear her tell it.
Threshing Flora on July 1, 2009 at 2:54 PM
An interesting dilemma. Perhaps a box of chocolates, some wine, and a Hallmark Card at least $2 will help with his spouse. He could get a job as a WalMart greeter on weekends to pay back the tax payer money he used.
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 2:55 PM
If he resigns…I’m sure his soulmate will leave him. Have a heart guys.
tomas on July 1, 2009 at 2:55 PM
So has this hot spell in WI been going on long? :0
highhopes on July 1, 2009 at 2:55 PM
That’s why I didn’t want to offend a cloudy 56er
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 2:56 PM
Now wait just a minute here.
For decades we’ve been beaten by secularists that a man’s sexual behavior is irrelevant to his qualification for office.
So we cringe like puppies and don’t dare raise the character issue.
Then, once the empty suit is in office, the powers-that-be reserve the right to step in and remove the poor bastard for something that we the voters were never allowed to inquire about?
WTF?
jeff_from_mpls on July 1, 2009 at 2:56 PM
Why yes, thanks for asking. If this keeps up like Al Gore predicted our ‘Frozen Tundra” will be mud.
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 2:57 PM
He should get a reality show with Blago.
Siobhan on July 1, 2009 at 2:57 PM
Last November?
Loxodonta on July 1, 2009 at 2:57 PM
Mark Sanford WANTS to resign; he WANTS his wife to tell him to get lost. This is a man who’s spent his life doing what’s “right”, what’s “expected”, doing his “duty”. When he met this woman a whole world opened up to him; a world he never knew existed. He needs to be FORCED to quit doing his job/honoring his commitment.
So I vote that I don’t think Sanford SHOULD resign (what he does in his personal life is irrelevant to how he does his job). I don’t want Sanford to resign because he’s a good governor. But I think Sanford HOPES the majority will think he should resign and force him to do so. Maybe he’s even online here hacking the poll….
Nik on July 1, 2009 at 2:58 PM
I figure it this way…..Kennedy committed vehicular homicide, Fwank had an escort service being run out of his house, Clinton diddled someone in the Oval Office and left ‘proof’.
The difference, hopefully, for Sanford, is that he has some dignity for the office and the people of South Carolina to either shut up or step down.
HornetSting on July 1, 2009 at 2:58 PM
Obviously it’s for the folks in S.C. to decide but he is not helping himself with continual “sharing” of his intermost thoughts and feelings.
Cindy Munford on July 1, 2009 at 2:59 PM
Lack of knowing when to STFU dooms him, and he deserves it. What a loser.
MadisonConservative on July 1, 2009 at 2:59 PM
Your timeline is skewed. Democrats lost the house because Newt ran on The [conservative] Contract With America.
Clinton won re-election after his sluts-and-nuts defence was proven to be another big liberal lie, and Americans did not support his removal from office.
My opinion stands. Sanford should STFU, but keep his elected office.
DannoJyd on July 1, 2009 at 2:59 PM
They don’t call it thievery if they’re a U.S. Congressman, U.S. Senator or a Military medal winner. So please don’t say bad things about these wonderful people.
Jeff from WI on July 1, 2009 at 3:00 PM
Someone pleeeeeeezzzzzze get a shepard’s hook and get this man off of the stage!!!!
yoda on July 1, 2009 at 3:00 PM
He was an a$shole, but a genuine a$shole. You won’t be able to suppress him for long. He’ll find a way to freedom.
DarkCurrent on July 1, 2009 at 3:01 PM
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