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(AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford tearfully admitted to having an affair during a news conference in Columbia, S.C., Wednesday, June 24, 2009. He said that was the reason why he was in Argentina. He also announced that he is resigning as chairman of the Republican Governors Association.
Statements from political leaders regarding Mark Sanford’s admission of an extramarital affair continue to roll in. Most recently, Phillip Bowers, the chairman of the Pickens County Republican Party, weighed in.
“It’s a sad day for South Carolina,” Bowers said. “I’m stunned by the governor’s actions and my heart aches for the innocent victims: Jenny, Marshall, London, Bolton and Blake. Mark made this terrible choice, and he’ll have to live with it. I’m praying for the innocent victims.”
Here is what some of you had to say.
Sherrie Williams, Seneca
“I did not like the way he presented his speech yesterday. I thought it was more of an embarrassment for his family to do it that way. But at the same time, I think maybe if he’s truly sorry for what he did and he’s going to leave his relationship, I’m OK with it, but if he’s going to continue the affair, he needs to leave office.”
Jacob Ramirez, West Union
“I think it’s a little embarrassing. Nobody’s perfect, but being governor, he must have higher standards.”
Damion Evett, Seneca
“He’s still a human. We all make mistakes. I think if he’s man enough to admit he made a mistake and try to fix it, he’s still on good terms with me.
David Littleton, Walhalla
I really think the man ought to resign.
Discuss story 
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June 26, 2009
12:14 a.m.Report inappropriate content
My impression of Governor Sanford is that he is sorry he got caught - not sorry that he betrayed his wife, children and the citizens of South Carolina. He should resign. However, will we have a better governor in Andre Bauer with his track record? South Carolina has sunk to a new low. Looks like we are trying to go back to Huey Long days.
June 26, 2009
12:53 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Let he without sin cast the first stone!If we were all to be honest, there has been times in all our lives that we have strayed, at least in our hearts. I am not condoning what he did , but if his own wife and children can forgive him, who are we to not. The only thing that I have a real problem with is the fact that no one knew where he was. What if there had been a disaster in our state? As far as his criticism of Bill Clinton, that just goes to show, we shouldn't be so quick to judge other people lest we find ourselves in the same mess.
June 26, 2009
5 a.m.Report inappropriate content
When President Clinton got caught I said: "What does that have to do with running our country," and I say the same about Gov. Sanford about running our state. Until the issue with the stimulus money I have agreed with every decision he has made. He is a great Gov. and I think we need to stay out of our political leader's personal lives. As long as they do their job anyway. This is a private problem and we should keep our noses out of it. His track record should override one indescretion.
June 26, 2009
7:26 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Actually the Bible is continully misquoted...it says let he without sin cast THE stone...not the first stone...Jesus was the only one without sin and he cast no stone....and Jesus also said to the woman at the well...go and sin no more...repentance is required as is sinning no more....
June 26, 2009
8:07 a.m.Report inappropriate content
The governor used state funds to fly business class to Argentina a year ago. He has offered to pay the money back, but if he hadn't revealed his Argentine affair, would he have returned the money? Don't think so. He used our money in a foolish and illegal way. He should resign.
June 26, 2009
8:20 a.m.Report inappropriate content
He and his wife publicly stated that, with the help of God, they will work on reconcilliation to repair their marriage and their family. His family has known about the affair for 5 months. Why didn't the reconcilliation start then? Why did he continue to see the other woman? I just don't understand any of this.
June 26, 2009
8:43 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Many people may not understand situations in your family. And it is your family, not the public's business. People take a good look around at your friends, family, coworkers etc. There's a very strong chance someone you know has had an affair. Many families are able to rebuild, some are not able to. Why keep juding this "family decision" on how to deal with there crisis. Complain that you don't agree with his political views, but remember if you are casting judgement on him you are also just as guilty and will answer to the same God Mr. Sanford will be answering to as well.
June 26, 2009
9:54 a.m.Report inappropriate content
This state is going broke, people are out of work and cannot feed their families, and Sanford is off living it up on the taxpayers dime?? He should be impeached.
June 26, 2009
10 a.m.Report inappropriate content
How much tax payer money has he wrongly used?
June 26, 2009
10:04 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Sure, impeach him. Gov Bauer is MUCH better. (Sarcasim intended) Okay rocket scientists. Would you prefer a womanizer or a drunk illegal drug user in control of the State $? Grow up the man has done a good job of running the State.
June 26, 2009
11:28 a.m.Report inappropriate content
I've experienced what she has, but I removed myself from the situation (his effort wasn't geniune). What he did, he will suffer and lose alot... they all do & it has already started! This situation will run its course.... I wish the best for Jenny and the boys.
What concerns me is, can he focus on being our governor with some much more weighing on him with his personal life!
June 26, 2009
8:27 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Good point Areader but as Goaliedad pointed out we already know that Bauer would make a mess of it so it is best to let him try. I am not alone in believing he is great at his job. He fought hard against raising taxes and infringments on our rights and I feel that he will continue until the end. Gov. Sanford has proven himself time and time again that he is here for the people of South Carolina.
June 26, 2009
11:52 p.m.Report inappropriate content
If Sanford would cheat on his wife and children then what would he do to us?! If he treats his family like they are disposable items then what could he do to the people of SC...people who generally mean nothing to him. How can we trust someone who thinks sex with another woman is more important than his children? His wife may forgive him, but I doubt she will ever really trust him again...should we?
June 27, 2009
5 a.m.Report inappropriate content
JS you are allowing his enemies to get to you. Look at his record and what he has done for the people of our state. Your argument might hold water if he had a track record of making bad decisions but he doesn't. He has represented his party well and any republican should be proud of how he has upheld our beliefs. This is the one time he has let us down. Don't let it ruin him and us.
June 27, 2009
9:30 a.m.Report inappropriate content
it's not about the cheating, except if you count in the fact that he preached so loudly against it and sought the resignation of President Clinton because he cheated. Oh,yeah, and that his political party is based on FAMILY VALUES. It's about him leaving his post, under false pretense,and being unavailable even by phone FOR ALMOST ONE WEEK. His record? It made us the laughing stock of the nation!
June 27, 2009
10:35 a.m.Report inappropriate content
I'm very happy with the job Gov. Sanford has done. His personal business is none of my business.
June 27, 2009
11:23 a.m.Report inappropriate content
For those of you that are "happy" with the job Sanford has done...Have you looked at our state lately? Have you talked to all of the people that have lost their jobs and cannot find another one? Plants in Oconee County are suffering and are cutting jobs...most recently Square D closing one of its plants. I take great offense to a governor that turns his back on his people for a fling!! Having to live by a higher standard is part of the job description of Governor. If you don't like that or you don't like having your dirty laundry aired for everyone's judgment don't run for public office!