“I still care deeply about the fiscal path of this county,” Sanford said. “I have been relatively sequestered but I spent 20 years of my life immersed in these issues. I have a lot of thoughts specifically on the debt and spending.”

Sanford said the Tea Party is “onto something.”…

“So much has been damaged and destroyed through what I did,” Sanford continued. “My dad taught me to never say never, but I can’t really see a way back as a candidate given my warts. I think what I can do is have an influence on ideas, on the conversation. Anyone who has ever failed, your prayer is for a second chance, for the ability to use your talents even if it’s in a more limited way.”