Politics

David Lewkowict

Atlanta, GA

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SC Governor Admits Affair

June 24, 2009 - 6:00 PM | by: David Lewkowict

URGENT / DEVELOPING

The State newspaper in Columbia SC obtains emails between Governor Sanford and his mistress. 

 

DEVELOPING

1723 Jenny Sanford Statement

Statement from First Lady Jenny Sanford

I would like to start by saying I love my husband and I believe I have put forth every effort possible to be the best wife I can be during our almost twenty years of marriage. As well, for the last fifteen years my husband has been fully engaged in public service to the citizens and taxpayers of this state and I have faithfully supported him in those efforts to the best of my ability. I have been and remain proud of his accomplishments and his service to this state.

I personally believe that the greatest legacy I will leave behind in this world is not the job I held on Wall Street, or the campaigns I managed for Mark, or the work I have done as First Lady or even the philanthropic activities in which I have been routinely engaged. Instead, the greatest legacy I will leave in this world is the character of the children I, or we, leave behind. It is for that reason that I deeply regret the recent actions of my husband Mark, and their potential damage to our children.

I believe wholeheartedly in the sanctity, dignity and importance of the institution of marriage. I believe that has been consistently reflected in my actions. When I found out about my husband's infidelity I worked immediately to first seek reconciliation through forgiveness, and then to work diligently to repair our marriage. We reached a point where I felt it was important to look my sons in the eyes and maintain my dignity, self-respect, and my basic sense of right and wrong. I therefore asked my husband to leave two weeks ago.

This trial separation was agreed to with the goal of ultimately strengthening our marriage. During this short separation it was agreed that Mark would not contact us. I kept this separation quiet out of respect of his public office and reputation, and in hopes of keeping our children from just this type of public exposure. Because of this separation, I did not know where he was in the past week.

I believe enduring love is primarily a commitment and an act of will, and for a marriage to be successful, that commitment must be reciprocal. I believe Mark has earned a chance to resurrect our marriage.

Psalm 127 states that sons are a gift from the Lord and children a reward from Him. I will continue to pour my energy into raising our sons to be honorable young men. I remain willing to forgive Mark completely for his indiscretions and to welcome him back, in time, if he continues to work toward reconciliation with a true spirit of humility and repentance.

This is a very painful time for us and I would humbly request now that members of the media respect the privacy of my boys and me as we struggle together to continue on with our lives and as I seek the wisdom of Solomon, the strength and patience of Job and the grace of God in helping to heal my family.

__________________________

 

16:54 Jenny Sanford says Affair Not News to Her

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- SC first lady says she asked governor to leave 2 weeks before his public admission of affair
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

DEVELOPING

SC SENATOR LINDSAY GRAHAM MAKES STATEMENT

Statement from Senator Lindsey Graham

 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement.

 “I’ve been a close friend of Mark and Jenny since our election to Congress in 1994.  Like all of their friends, I want the best for their family and hope they can repair the damage.  I will provide any personal support I can.

 “Jenny and Mark have four wonderful boys.  The Sanford family needs time and space to work through their challenges.  I hope they are afforded that opportunity.

 “As for the future, I hope Mark will reconcile with his family and can continue serving as our state's governor.”

 #####

DEVELOPING

1615 - SC Democratic Party says Leave Gov's Family Alone

Columbia, SC- South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler issued the following statement today in response to Governor Mark Sanford's admission during a press conference to having an extramarital affair. The Governor returned to the state today from Argentina.

"Our thoughts are with the Governor's family at this time. Mark Sanford should be given time to focus on his family right now. There will be other opportunities in the weeks ahead to discuss his effectiveness as our state's governor," said Fowler.

 

1530 UPDATE DEVELOPING: Sanford Issues Statement

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

MARK SANFORD, GOVERNOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gov. Sanford Issues Follow-up Statement on Today's Media Availability

Columbia, S.C. - June 24, 2009 - Governor Mark Sanford today issued the following statement:

"First and foremost, I apologize to my wife and my four boys. I have made decisions that have hurt and will continue to hurt them, and for that I'm sincerely sorry. Jenny has stood by me through campaign after campaign, through hard time after hard time, and neither she nor the boys deserve this. Please offer them your prayers.

"I apologize to my staff. I misled them about my whereabouts, and as a result the people of South Carolina believed something that wasn't true. I want to make absolutely clear that over the past two days at no time did anyone on my staff intentionally relay false information to other state officials or the public at large. What they've said over the past two days they believed to be true, and I'm sorry to them for putting them in this position.

"I apologize to the people of South Carolina. There are many people out there right now who are hurt, angry and disappointed with me, and rightfully so. Over the time that I have left in office, I'm going to devote my energy to building back the trust the people of this state have placed in me.

"I ask for your forgiveness, and your prayers for everyone who I've hurt," Sanford said.

 

-###-

 

 

 

In a press conference this afternoon at the South Carolina State Capitol, Governor Mark Sanford said that he is a "bottom line guy" and that he apologizes to his wife Jenny and his four sons, before admitting to an extramarital affair.

"I have been unfaithful to my wife." Sanford said.  "We have been working through this for the last five months." was the answer the governor gave to a question about whether the couple was separated.

The Governor said he was not alone in Argentina.  He says that he met "this person" innocently years ago.  He said that she lives in Argentina. Without divulging the woman's identity, he says he developed a remarkable friendship that sparked into "something else" a little over a year ago.  He went on to describe this as "selfishness".

The Governor took responsibility and apologized to his staff and to the people of South Carolina. 

Governor Sanford also resigned as Chairman of the Republican Governor's Association.

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Stormy01

"I'm only human" is NOT an excuse any more - if you're in Public Office you WILL be held to a higher standard. The Republicans and their "Family Values" theme is out the door - You Republicans might as well kiss it where the sun doesn't shine!!!!!!!

June 24, 2009 at 2:49 PM
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Eric

WOW! I didn't see that one coming. He screwed up but also took responsibility for screwing up. I don't agree with his actions but I do give him credit for coming clean. I wish him and his family the best.

June 24, 2009 at 2:54 PM
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(2 Replies)

Bella

Only a real man admits to an affair .Do not reign Governor.

June 24, 2009 at 2:58 PM
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(1 Reply)

Debbie from Chatt, TN

If every politician who had affairs were to resign, there would be no one left in Washington! John F Kennedy had his share too! Do I think it's right? No. But we are human, and this man has had the guts to stand before God and Country, admit his mistake, and ask for forgiveness. He has mine. Jesus said, "let those without sin cast the first stone". The Dems have had their share of this stuff too! It's not a matter of partisan politics or idology, it's a matter of common decency. Let this family heal. He's a terrific Governor, and this mistake should not lose him his job.

June 24, 2009 at 3:48 PM
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(1 Reply)

David

Mark Sanford - should resign. If anyone didn't show up at work for a couple days - and lied about where he was to his employers - he'd be out on his ear. The Governor shouldn't be treated differently when he lied to his staff and misled his state. His position is a responsiblity not a right - and he has shown he is not acting responsibly.

June 24, 2009 at 4:40 PM
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hmj

If a man can't be faithful to his wife and children, How can he be faithful to the people of his state.

June 24, 2009 at 4:50 PM
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(1 Reply)

Robert

This is not a Republican problem although the left would like to make it so. Remember John Edwards or Elliott Spitzer? Let's be honest. This is a human problem which seems to plague our politicians on both sides of the aisle. I applaud the Governor for coming clean but what else can he do? It will eventually come out. I hold him accountable for neglecting his duties as Governor and his reluctance to cover his state while gone. Had there been a Katrina or a natural disaster in his absence the Lt. Governor did not have authority to act as per South Carolina State Law. This is unforgivable. The affair is between he and his wife but his job is between he and the people. If I were a citizen of South Carolina I'd want him gone. Last week Senator Ensign of Nevada, this week Sanford. Don't any of these guys watch television?

June 24, 2009 at 4:51 PM
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Rosalie Hein

We want honest people representing we the people. All the lies have to stop on both sides of the isle as well in their personal lives. I feel sadness for the govenor of S. Carolina's family. I feel only disgust for him. An adulterer is always a lier.

June 24, 2009 at 4:57 PM
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Anne

Senator Graham defended Gov. Sanford's abdication of his duties as chief executive of South Carolina while Sandord was in the company of his Argentinian lover. Would he defend him if he were a democrat? I doubt it. He is a hypocrit.

June 24, 2009 at 5:00 PM
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Anne

Senator Graham defended Gov. Sanford's abdication of his duties as chief executive of South Carolina while Sanford was in the company of his Argentinian lover. Would he defend him if he were a democrat? I doubt it. He is a hypocrite.

June 24, 2009 at 5:00 PM
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Tom L

He didn't admit to the affair voluntarily--he had to because of his unexplained absence. Next up -- Who is the South American woman of mystery? That story should be good for a couple of weeks.

June 24, 2009 at 5:01 PM
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stuartblair

It appears to me that both dems and repubs are guilty of the same things that they seem to through stones at the other for. I do respect a person who is willing to admit thier mistake and assume responsibility. We need to quite pointing fingers and turn the spot light on ourselves unless your perfect. I am getting tired of all the mud slinging between these politicians. Let get them all out and start over.

June 24, 2009 at 5:10 PM
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TOm

As far as I'm concerned his affair is between him and his family. The thing I'd be concerned about is the fact that he just disappeared and nobody could get a hold of him. A smart man could have figured out a way that his aides could have gotten a hold of him and covered for him. Other than that I don't think he should resign. I couldn't imagine the weenie leadership we would have had over the ages if we sacked every man for his sexual indiscretions. Of course this is the party that spent millions of tax payer money trying to bring down a president for his indiscretions, so as to not be hypocritical, he pretty much needs to step down.

June 24, 2009 at 5:19 PM
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Tim

Yes, this is not a Republican problem. However, since Republicans try to look like they are the flag holders of family values and defenders of "marriage" by not allowing gays to marry as if gay marriage would tarnish the sanctity of marriage, this shows how hypocrite and two-faced they are when they have no problem trashing the value of their own marriage.

June 24, 2009 at 5:20 PM
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Deparm

We all resist temptation every day. How can we respect a leader if he is weak?. Drugs, sex, alcohol, greed, jealousy and brainwashing cause most of the trouble in the world.

June 24, 2009 at 5:22 PM
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Erik

Get rid of him. Not only is he a cheater, he has now proven himself to be a liar as well.

June 24, 2009 at 5:22 PM
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David Petrano

My son works for this degenerate Governor. A while back, my son freaked-out for fear the Governor would fire him when I sent him a 5 minute youtube of an old Richard Pryor comedy act. It seems the entire state of SC is governed by a bunch of wack-o pervert hypocrates who call themselves "Born-again Christians."

June 24, 2009 at 5:23 PM
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Joy

I don't know what is worse..........being unfaithful or avoiding taxes for years. Both parties are down right hypocrits. What a shame this family is going through all of the spin. I feel sorry for his wife and 4 boys. GOD BLESS THIS FAMILY

June 24, 2009 at 5:24 PM
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ana in Texas

So many people act like they are completely without any sin and love to throw stones. If the Governor was not remorseful then it would be a different sotry. It doesn't matter if you are a Democrat, Republican, Independent, people are human and make mistakes. Let this family work through there problems and the public needs to leaven them alone. I don't think Gov. Sandford should resign. President Clinton didn't resign....and he is a good person. All you righteous people will one day stand before a Judge and have to give an account for your self righteousness.

June 24, 2009 at 5:25 PM
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carla

To those defending the governor for "coming clean" and asking for "forgiveness" I say that this affair has been going on for a long time. His wife has known for 5 months and the affair has most certainly lasted longer than that. There is no contrition when his wife knew all this time and he STILL runs off to be with his mistress. He only apologized because he had to. He certainly is not concerned about what his wife thinks. And for those who say, well, he has those four little boys. Please - he didn't care about them either or the citizens of South Carolina for that matter. If no one had asked where he was, he would still be in her arms. I don't believe the contrition and neither should you.

June 24, 2009 at 5:28 PM
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