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Jennifer Rubin

Are they kidding — Mark Sanford?!

He’d like to characterize his misdeeds as “personal,” but they were anything but. As you may recall, Sanford used public funds for a tryst. This is a small-government conservative careful with the taxpayers’ money? Moreover, he doubled down on his misbehavior, insisting for some time that he had used his own funds. Eventually, he was forced to repay $9,000.

There is no reason the taxpayers should feel obliged to put such a character back in government. It is a measure how odd social conservatives have become that they would disown a candidate who favored gay marriage but rise to the defense of a home-wrecker and abuser of public funds. And the idea that there is no one else is belied by the crowded field of fiscal conservatives, none of whom took public funds in office and lied about it. The conservative FreedomWorks hosted an event with some 16 GOP contenders on Saturday.

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No, they aren’t kidding. Haven’t you heard? Damaged old timers win seats all the time – look at George Allen. Only Tea Party types ever lose races.

forest on February 18, 2013 at 9:46 AM

It is a measure how odd social conservatives have become that they would disown a candidate who favored gay marriage but rise to the defense of a home-wrecker and abuser of public funds

Chalk and cheese.

OldEnglish on February 18, 2013 at 9:47 AM

Like so many – Mark Sanford has discovered that he is incapable of doing anything outside of politics.

The only thing stupider than Mark Sanford running for office? — is the idea of his idiot ex-wife running for office.

This issue shows the total lack of interest, responsible people, have in running for office today. So sad.

jake-the-goose on February 18, 2013 at 9:48 AM

Oh yeah, Sanford. But thats the half of it. Sticking to SC, the son of Ted Turner and Jane Fonda, teddy is running in a REPUBLICAN primary. And hes trashing his parents for their liberalism. Talk bout confusion. Lol. Perplexing is what it is.

tommy71 on February 18, 2013 at 9:51 AM

Facts and circumstances are crucial. Was the infidelity an isolated instance or a chronic pattern? Were the transgressions long ago or recent? What levels of deception and cover-up were involved? What was the position of authority the person held when the infidelity occurred? Was there an alarming degree of recklessness on display? What evidence is there that this person has changed his ways? Has this person shown other worrisome signs when it comes to character and trustworthiness?

See also Clinton, William Jefferson.

rbj on February 18, 2013 at 9:51 AM

Maybe if he talked with Slick Willie and then run as a Democrat…….

Herb on February 18, 2013 at 9:53 AM

If Rubin is against him, I’m for him…

Blake on February 18, 2013 at 9:54 AM

There is no reason the taxpayers should feel obliged to put such a character back in government. It is a measure how odd social conservatives have become that they would disown a candidate who favored gay marriage but rise to the defense of a home-wrecker and abuser of public funds.

‘scuse me, but exactly which social conservatives are rising to this guy’s defense? Certainly not me. Furthermore, Mark Sanford himself has never been a social conservative, and has actively worked to distance himself from them before his extra-marital affair ever came to light.

If Karl Rove wants to prove that the Conservative Victory Project isn’t just some RINO-loving squish organization, a good place to start would be crushing Sanford.

Stoic Patriot on February 18, 2013 at 9:58 AM

I believe his son Lamont is far more qualified.

Bishop on February 18, 2013 at 10:04 AM

If Rubin is against him, I’m for him…

Blake on February 18, 2013 at 9:54 AM

Yeah, but Erick-Woods Erickson endorsed Sanford. Dilemma, right?

steebo77 on February 18, 2013 at 10:04 AM

‘scuse me, but exactly which social conservatives are rising to this guy’s defense? Certainly not me.
Stoic Patriot on February 18, 2013 at 9:58 AM

He was endorsed by the editor of RedState.

http://www.redstate.com/2013/02/14/i-endorse-mark-sanford-for-congress/

NeoKong on February 18, 2013 at 10:05 AM

He was endorsed by the editor of RedState.

http://www.redstate.com/2013/02/14/i-endorse-mark-sanford-for-congress/

NeoKong on February 18, 2013 at 10:05 AM

Yeah, a guy who spurned Rick Santorum but voiced interest in Jon Huntsman. I wouldn’t exactly say that gives him any SoCon cred.

Stoic Patriot on February 18, 2013 at 10:08 AM

If Rubin is against him, I’m for him…

Blake on February 18, 2013 at 9:54 AM

Me too.

Punchenko on February 18, 2013 at 10:11 AM

What’s wrong with him running? Let the people of the district decide whether he’s worthy of office again. While he embarrassed himself, his family, and the state with that whole “hiking” fiasco, we have people serving in Congress (and the WH) who serve while under investigation for this or that, as well as those who’ve had personal transgressions of their own.

changer1701 on February 18, 2013 at 10:27 AM

What’s wrong with him running? Let the people of the district decide whether he’s worthy of office again. While he embarrassed himself, his family, and the state with that whole “hiking” fiasco, we have people serving in Congress (and the WH) who serve while under investigation for this or that, as well as those who’ve had personal transgressions of their own.

changer1701 on February 18, 2013 at 10:27 AM

What’s wrong with him running is that he is a man who betrayed both his family and the public trust. He lied so that he could leave for Argentina where he violated his marital vows. He treated another person as a means to an end, and lied about it until he could no longer fool people. He deserves no one’s trust, and should not be entrusted with political power.

Stoic Patriot on February 18, 2013 at 10:32 AM

Oh yeah, Sanford. But thats the half of it. Sticking to SC, the son of Ted Turner and Jane Fonda, teddy is running in a REPUBLICAN primary. And hes trashing his parents for their liberalism. Talk bout confusion. Lol. Perplexing is what it is.

tommy71 on February 18, 2013 at 9:51 AM

Ted & Jane didn’t have kids together – Thank You God! Teddy isn’t Jane’s child.

poppieseeds on February 18, 2013 at 10:34 AM

Me too.

Punchenko on February 18, 2013 at 10:11 AM

Me three. If that district wants him they can have him.

22044 on February 18, 2013 at 10:35 AM

Seriously: In South Carolina, of all places, Mark Sanford is the BEST we can do?

steebo77 on February 18, 2013 at 10:55 AM

@poppieseeds I’m sorry. Perhaps I’m mistaken.

tommy71 on February 18, 2013 at 11:38 AM

Agreed. This is absurd. Probably about as absurd as the GOP nominating a big government statist like Mitt Romney as its presidential candidate. But Rubin didn’t appear to have any problem with that.

besser tot als rot on February 18, 2013 at 11:58 AM

What’s wrong with him running is that he is a man who betrayed both his family and the public trust. He lied so that he could leave for Argentina where he violated his marital vows. He treated another person as a means to an end, and lied about it until he could no longer fool people. He deserves no one’s trust, and should not be entrusted with political power.

Stoic Patriot on February 18, 2013 at 10:32 AM

Let the voters of the district decide all that. Why should you do it for them?

changer1701 on February 18, 2013 at 1:04 PM