What does it say about the GOP in S.C. that they won't call for Sanford's resignation?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The arrogance of South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford knows no bounds apparently. And the hypocrisy of the South Carolina Republican Party doesn't either. In the wake of his admission that he's been cheating on his wife, the state GOP voted to censure Sanford. Which amounts to looking the other way.
The reason for the censure was his secret travels to Argentina to visit his mistress, which officially translates into what the GOP is calling "Repeated failures to act in accordance with the party's core principles and beliefs."
One of those core principles is family values, except when it's inconvenient. Sanford also refuses to resign on his own, thus joining the soiled ranks of Larry Craig of Idaho and John Ensign of Nevada. Proud Republicans all.
Sanford also gets a slap on the wrist for falling below the standards expected of Republican elected officials. Deliberations reportedly went on for nearly four hours on a conference call and there were multiple rounds of balloting. This patty cake gesture on the part of the Party of family values is meaningless.
Just to be clear, Sanford's own party is saying they don't trust him and don't think he can effectively perform his duties as Governor; but it's okay with them if he continues in South Carolina's highest office. Pathetic.
Here’s my question to you: What does it say about the Republican Party in South Carolina that they won't call for Gov. Sanford's resignation?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Jeff from Ocean City, Maryland writes:
I find it interesting how much difficulty the members of the "party of family values" have living up to the standards they want to mandate for the rest of us.
Alex from Seattle writes:
Many in the GOP sermonize about America's moral failings and situational ethics. In fact, Governor Sanford railed against former President Clinton's dalliance with an intern. And yet, in this situation, the GOP won't live up to their high ideals they espouse for everybody else if it would cost them power or control. How very sad.
Michael writes:
Well, being a resident of South Carolina, I must say that I am disgusted with my Governor. But as far as what this says about the South Carolina GOP is that they don't care about anything but being in power and staying in power, no matter what the character of the leader is.
Karl from San Francisco writes:
Jack, you can put hypocritical, redneck, backwoods, cross burning hicks in three-piece suits, but they are still all hypocritical, redneck, backwoods, cross burning hicks. What else do you expect from them?
John writes:
Cafferty, what it says about the S.C. GOP is quite evident to anybody with common sense; that is, a fiscally conservative, adulterous Republican is better than any Democrat, period.
Jason from Koloa, Hawaii writes:
Better question. What does it say about a politician in 2009 that is still dumb enough to call themselves a Republican?
K writes:
Can you spell B-I-L-L C-L-I-N-T-O-N? How about J-O-H-N E-D-W-A-R-D-S?
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Jack,
It says that they're doing the best they can to deal with an impossible situation.
Jim
Reno, Nevada
The Republicans aren't calling for his resignation for the same reason the Democrats didn't call for the resignation of Clinton. Not because an extramarital affair is irrelevant, but because party loyalties run deeper than common sense. No doubt, my fellow respondents will prove this.
Clinton didn't resign after he cheated with Monica while on the job at the office! Nope, he lied and denied over and over pointing his finger at the American people...............until the proof was on her dress. What's the difference? Why should the Republican resign while the Democrats lie and make excuses? Cheaters are on both sides and should be treated the same.
That it is ok for a republican politician to be an adulterer and AWOL but probably not ok for a democrat.
It probably means that there are plenty of other good, Gawd-fearing, holier-than-thou Republicans in SC that have mistresses elsewhere that they go visit with via taxpayer's money and the mouth-breathing, nuckle-dragging NASCAR wannabes of SC are too busy worrying about the drug induced death of a has-been pervert.
Jack: It means that Governor Sanford did not break law; therefore, he can not be impeached. The GOP in South Carolina will stick with him until the end of his term. Now, mortally Sanford messed up, but he who as not sinned cast the first stone.
It's not just the GOP in S.C., it is the Republican way to forgive Republicans and persecute, prosecute or condemn Democrats for the same behavior.
It all depends on which chapter and verse of the “Good Book” they decide to quote to achieve the Republican agenda.
The fact that the Republican Party in South Carolina won’t call for Gov. Sanford’s resignation say that they are desperately trying to hold on to what little power. It's bad enough that they are losing elections and destroying itself from the inside out. These personal scandals is just a cherry on top
That so long as you believe in not taxing the rich, believe that Jesus is your saviour, and believe that the war in Iraq is a battle between good and evil, you can feel free to cheat on your wife.
Jack,
It says about the same thing as is being said by the GOP elsewhere in the US. "Do as we say, not as we do".....
The failure of the Republican Party to call for Sanfords' recognition is another manifistation of the fact that the Party is the Party of hypocrisy,
Bob
Louisville, Ky
They would rather him than the one who would replace him.
Jack
in a word, GUTLESS!
Pablo
Arlington Texas
Surprise! Surprise! The Republican Party, the “Family Values” party, is yet again the “Hypocritical Party”.
They claim to adhere to The Ten Commandments, but “Thou Shalt Not Kill,” “Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery,” and “Thou Shalt Not Covet,” all seem to be missing from their Bibles.
That they're scared of losing the governorship. The scandal will go away as long as Sanford doesn't run for re-election. After that he can go live with his "soul mate" because no one will care.
It says the GOP will hang on to power any way they can. After all, this is the very man that demanded another one resign under similar circumstances a few years ago.
I think the good people of SC will do a lot of soul-searching before they put another hypocrit into their highest state office.
They are just being Republicans. A double standard, particularly Mr. Stanford. His hypocrisy is too apparent. Not withstanding leaving S.C. without a leader, If he ever was ever one. everytime he opens his mouth he puts his foot in it.
I don't think her should be a dog catcher.
That they are out of touch with 70 percent of the population of their own state
Fennville, MI
Better question.
What does it say about a politician in 2009 that is still dumb enough to call themselves a republican.
One word Jack, Hypocrites! ! !
Seun in TX
It says they probably don't have any better option for Governor than Sanford. Pathetic indeed.
Allison,Vancouver B.C.
Individually, I think each member of the party of family values is waiting for his own moment in the spotlight to say he is sorry. The only difference is they haven't been caught yet.
Cheryl
Houston, TX
All the GOP in SC and across this country care about is money and power which they have proven over and over again. They don't care about people, programs for the people or things that could hurt their constituents like the Gov of SC abandoning the state for 5 days leaving it with no representation. The GOP is just being true to itself.
If you want to party, S.C. is the place to go, I guess..........
Many in the GOP sermonize about America's moral failings and situational ethics. In fact, Governor Sanford railed against former President Clinton's dalliance with an intern. And yet, in this situation, the GOP won't live up to their high ideals they espouse for everybody else if it would cost them power or control. How very sad.
They're a bunch of hypocrites. Republicans had no hesistation in condemning Bill Clinton for his indiscretions, but now they refuse to hold one of their own accountable. These mixed signals help their true colors shine through.
If a man has no honor, what else does he have to offer that makes him a good choice as a friend, or husband? A man with any honor about him at all would not have put his state, and his family in this situation in the first place. To leave this man in a place of trust, and put the well being of his state in his trust is not a very wise choice. Beware of him who enters into the flock in sheeps clothing, for he is not one of you, but one sent to decieve you. Wake up South Carolinians !!
If Gov.Sanford had been a Democrat, they would have booted him out on DAY2. So much for MORAL & FAMILY values when its one of their own!. Hypocrisy Jack! Pure and simple.
It says that they are either cowards, or afraid that the people of South Carolina won't be fooled again, and will instead elect a Democrat to the State House.
I believe he should resign, but not for the reasons you list. He should resign because he was negligent of his duty to South Carolina when he fled the country without delegating his power to the Lt. Governor and created a situation for disaster in the process. Luckily nothing dire happened, but his negligence is unforgivebale. As for "family-values", please. Everyone knows rockstars, professional athletes, and politicians all have a different view of what is acceptable and extramarital problems are rampant on both sides of the aisle. Personally I couldn't care less who he sleeps with, those problems are between him and his wife, but you can't get away with abandoning your state for a week without consequence.
The Republicans need to apologize to the country for impeaching President Clinton. They used illicit sex as a political weapon and have ended up shooting themselves in the foot.
Roy
Texas
No principles! Whatever happened to their family values and outrage?
It could say one of three things. They really hate the lieutenant governor, their so called family values are a farce used to get money and votes, or they have skeletons in their own closets and don't want to lose their jobs over it. I think the second and third are probably both true. Don't forget, the governor also left his state with no one in charge. Abandoning your constituents seems to be a Republican theme lately.
It says that they need a Governor, not a Pope. Only in America are our public figures expected to be holier than God. We need to be adults about this and admit that people make mistakes, so own them and get on with life.
This is beyond pathetic. They should change their party theme to "The Party of Cowards, Whimps, Quitters and NO!" This is America where we used to stand for integrity, courage, bravery and commitment. Is it a wonder that our moral values among our youth is falling into pit of despair?
it says that if a politician says "but I believe in Jesus" in the buckle of the bible belt, they can get away with anything. I really wonder what it will take for southern working people to stop feeding on the Republican baloney.
How about checking his emails and cell phones to see if there has been any communication with Argentina since he made this announcement.
This is a bad situation for all involved, and very sad. He obviously fell in love with this woman.
I think he should resign, the state of South Carolina deserves better representation than this. He needs to resign for them, and for himself and his family. They all deserve better than this.
The ole grey elephant aint what she used to be, aint what she use to be, aint what she used to be. The ole grey elephant aint what she used to be . . .
It says they learned a lot from Clinton and the Democrats, he did not step down either or was he forced from office. What is good for the goose is good for the gander Jack. Ask slick Willy.
The party of "family values" should be foaming at the mouth like a rabid dog wanting his resignation–esp considering how they reacted to Clinton. But when it's one of their own, you can expect them to be as quiet as church mice. Nice double standard, eh?
It says they're terrified that they might have to live with a democratic governor.
Money talks. Just like the other Republicans if you do not tow the line and do what you are told you will not receive the financial support of the Republican Party when you are up for reelection.
The best Politicians Money can buy.
Jack-it just says how divided the US is along political lines.
Bill Clinton was impeached for similiar behaviour by the Republicans, but now that it is one of there own-silence is golden. Apparently ethics have nothing to do with actual actions anymore–but have everything to do with how you vote.
If there ever was a time for a true 3rd option–it is now.
It says they live in glass houses and can't through the first stone. But when they find someone to through the stone the band wagon will be full
It says that politicians are a lot like doctors; they tend not to police their own (unless they belong to another party).
What does it say about the Republican Party in South Carolina that they won’t call for Gov. Sanford’s resignation?
It shows that they are not the party of Family Values after all.
Why Gov Sanford hasn't been arrested for his adultery (a crime in South Carolina) is beyond me. Guess it is true what they say, laws only apply to some not all..
If Sanford was half a man he would have resigned by now.
Jenna
Roseville CA
The reps in N.C have to deal with the moral aspect of the Sanford situation;It means that the party should at least advise the governor to
resign.The saying that the nation has no business in the bedroom of the people is true,Being a public figure of importance and having a propensity to to play loose with honorable behaviour is something else.
gerry,Edmonton,Alberta,Canada
I think it says that they are a bunch of hypocrites when it comes to standing up for the principles they they claimed to believe in. I cannot help wondering if it would have been a democrat governor what their reaction might have been. You can bet the rail to carry him out of office on would have been pounding on the door by this time. Maybe they should stop running on things they do not have, such as family values. There seems to be a lot of glass houses in South Carolina these days.
It says that " It's ok to be in public office and cheat on your spouse", probably because they do it as well.
It says that Republicans in SC are just like Republicans everywhere, they have no character or real principles.
Jack,
Once more the party of “Family Values” is showing its hypocrisy. True conservatives of this country need to go shopping for a new party for GOP has no credibility left on any of its core issues.
The south will rise again. Apparently they have a long way to go. This mixture or religion and politics is an abomination. I do not believe anyone any more when the the subject of "core values" comes up. What a farce. What it apparently means is do as I say, not as I do. Why are the Republicans stepping in it all the time? Another nail in the coffin of the two party system.
Pathetic is an understatement. This sorry excuse for a human being humiliated his wife and children by cheating. He also made the statement that he would 'try to fall back in love with his wife'. Come on SC, if he does those things to people he loves do you think he has your best interest in mind?
It says that the Republican Party is willing to talk the talk, if anyone is still dumb enough to listen.
It says the same thing about the G.O.P. in South Carolina that we said about the National Democratic Party when it refused to call for Bill Clinton's resignation during his "Lewinsky Affair".....that politics comes first, ethics last.
Jack,
There is a word that comes to mind that I cannot use in public. Suffice it to say that the Republicans in South Carolina are not demonstrating a lot of courage.
Rick, Medina, OH
The Republican Party is on a roll of saying and doing stupid things. It is stupid of the Party to not demand Gov. Sanford to resign because it shows them to be hypocrites by not treating him the way they did President Clinton. It shows the true values of the Party – Party power!
It is no surprise that S.C. is failing on all measurments of a state.
The leadership here is the worst of any state.
Grahamn DeMint and especially Sanford are shamefull and proof the Good Old Boys Club is alive and well.
I think it suggests that the S.C. GOP is doing to the SC people what Sanford did to his wife.
It just goes to show that the SC GOP is partisan. Lets face it, if people actually stuck to their principles over party, then the same people that tried to force Bill Clinton out of office would be trying to oust Stanford. I haven't heard many of the pro-Clinton crowd calling for Stanford's removal, so far all of the inconsistency has been with the Republican Party.
Jack,
He skipped work for five days without notice. Anyone but a politician would find themselves unemployed. Ain't that a kicker?
Thanks,
Patrick in Orlando
One of my coworkers just returned from a visit up north. When he wrote "South Carolina" on the conference sign-in sheet, the women behind the counter laughed. That pretty much sums up this state, this governor, and the GOP.
Jack, that is the Republican way, if all the republicans resigned that were running around on their wives there wouldn't be but about ten left in congress.They are just being good bible thumper's, probably were preachers before getting elected to congress.
It says that we can't let the crab crawl out of the pot. We must all stay in the boiling water and die together.
It says that we need to stop worrying about who our politicians are sleeping with. Sanford should resign because he abandoned his post, and apparently did it on the taxpayer's dime. I could care less who he is having sex with. It has nothing to do with his job performance. Most of the hypocrites who are criticizing his character for cheating, have cheated themselves. We need to go back to the days when a politician's sex life was off limits, unless they are buying women with taxpayer money.
Politics as usual Jack......the Republicans are down and out in numbers and they do not want to loose any more ground politically. There is strength in numbers and the Republicans will look the other way if it means keeping the status quo in effect. Family values is only important if it is a Democrat caught with their pants down.
Could it be that we have yet another right wing convervative Republican hypocrite? Shocking, shocking. And the latest is now "Cut and Run Sarah". These people have no values at all.
Hypocrites! Are family values only important when they as a rallying cry, but irrelevant when we must live by those stated values?
It says that they may just have skeletons in their closet. Some, if not all probably have been unfaithful to their wives or husbands.
Jack, what do you expect? For years South Carolina has consistently ranked near the bottom in regards to education. This just proves that "The Good Old Boy" concept is alive and well.
I am speechless. Absolutely speechless.
Northern CA
Hypocrites! Are family values only important when they are needed as a rallying cry, but irrelevant when we must live by those stated values?
This little deviation from "family values" seems to matter less to the S.C. GOP than keeping an "R" after the word Governor. The party of biggotry, suppression of minorities, and theocracy is alive, if not well, in S. Carolina, and the remaining good old boys want to keep the biggotry flowing even if their values plank is rotten to the core.
Your comments say it all, Jack. But it is not just the Republican party in South Carolina, but the Republican party everywhere.Whether it is the double standards in their reaction to Foley and Craig, Ensign and Sandford, their indefensible defense of Sarah Palin's resignation, or their unrelenting defense of big business vis-a-vis the people, the tunnel-vision, hypocrisy, and venality is beyond comprehension.
In a word Jack: hypocrisy. Unfortunately, this has become the norm for Conservatives. They dish it out, but can't take it.
Sanford is the most arrogant politician we have seen in a long time. He's a narcissus-plain & simple. SC should impeach him for going AWOL, but don't seem to have the nerve to do it. The hypocrits are alive & well.
That they are, as we all know, a bunch of hypocrits. It wouldn't have been so bad if Sanford and Ensign had not raised such a fit and demanded resignations of others who made "mistakes".
Republicans are, "do as I say, not as I do" phonies hiding behind
their so called family values, bible thumping, while all the time
putting a stain on true Christianity. They are the first to condemm
the last to take blame.
double standard - if it was a democrat cheater we would hear those words but not for them. the do as i say not as i do party.
They have embarrased this State.
Who cares about Sand's pathetic adulterating.
It's about Sanford leaving his State without letting anyone know where he would be.
He turned his back own those who elected him and trusted that he would keep the State of South Carolina first and formost.
That is why he is no longer fit to govern this State.
You can't trust where he'll just disappear to next.
Pat
Barnwell,SC
When corruption is the republican party line, best not to knock it.
They do not have leadership or have weak morale minds.
The message I'm receiving is that "family values" and the "sanctity of marriage" don't mean a thing to those wusses.
Joe in Delray Beach, FL
Idiotic: as they do not understand the nature of natural espionage via seduction. The mistress could technically assert some format of dominant control over a State Governor: and no one seems this as a potential threat? Hypnotically you people are doomed.
Its not like its a surprise. The GOP have continually been proving how worthless and hypocritical they are for years.
If Mark Sanford were a Democratic governor in S. Carolina. the GOP would be screaming bloody murder and demanding his immediate resignation. Censuring him now means nothing and is no more than a slap on the hand for being a bad boy, while slapping him on the back for putting one over on everyone! While ther are a few Republicans trashing him in public, the majority of hypocritical Republicans are just looking the other way and hoping to sweep it all under the rug and get on with business as usual!
It says that in SC if you are a Republican, you WILL be forgiven. It's all about the name. It doesn't matter that the state is at the bottom of almost every category, they don't care about facts or performance, they don't really care if he goes AWOL. They are just hypocrites.
Does he know that David Letterman is telling jokes about him? Maybe he'll get upset and quit because the jokes are taking a toll on his family. cy, arlington, va
Just one more nail in the GOP coffin. They talk the moral talk, but they don't walk the moral walk.
The man cheated on his wife and was cleared of not misspending tax payer money, why should they make the man resign?
This says that that the SC state's Republican party is in line with the national Republican party's usual response of turning the other cheek when the dirtbag is one of your own...
Jack, from what I hear on SC radio stations I'd guess that the SC GOP doesn't want the Lt. Gov. to take over.
It shows their real family value – power and control.
Babs
South Dakota
It shows that the Republicans and the Good Old Boys are pros at
"Do what I say, not as I do!"
Jack: C'mon. This is South Carolina. Nothing about the "leaders" here should surprise you. My wife and I have been here for 9 years and it no longer surprises us how rockheaded the management is. Last in high school graduation percentages, close to the bottom in reading scores, lowest tobacco tax, highest rate of kids starting to smoke. The list goes on and on.
Just remember...South Carolina will always pride itself on firing the first shot in the War of Northern Agression. They'll never forget. Even if you remind them that yes, you started the war but hey, you lost...
Tom Reed – Hilton Head
JACK: Why should they ask him to resign? Clinton didn't!
Republicans are trying to look more like Democrats now.
Another typical Republican Fatwar." We enact rules and laws for everyone but the rules and laws do not apply to republicans"
Jack,
I'd say the days of oval office "interns" and impeachment are over. When his family problems become state problems, I think the Republicans might have a problem. Why is it that another panel of politicians is able to decide his fate? Shouldn't the people of SC have some say? I'm sick of hearing about this politician and that politician doing this and doing that; when will we have the sense to elect those incapable of deception? Sigh.
It says the party of family values admits they love sin and sinners as long as they're in their own party. They forgave Chip for a bad song at Christmas – they couldn't care less about Rush and Newt and Larry Craig and Mark Foley. Had he been Democratic he'd have been ousted, impeached or tarred and feathered by these same GOP constituents.
what else is new Jack? the GOP in SC and everywhere in this country is and has always been, just a bunch of hypocrites. The Sanford case is the best example of how deep their hypocrisy has sunk.
Jack,
His family beginning with his wife is ready to forgive him so I feel his party should give him a second chance. If he blunders in future then he can say goodbye to his job and possibly political career.
Remember the problem here is being unfaithful to your wife and not being incapable of running a state.
To me it says that they are hurting so bad for leadership and people in power positions that they can't afford to do more than censure him at this time. They're also probably waiting to see how all this washes out before making a final decision. Another indiscretion on Sanford's part could signal the absolute end for him in politics although I'm astounded at what some of these politicians can do and get away with these days. I do believe that he's finished as a national candidate anyway just based upon what he's done and the way he's handled it.
As far as I know he didn't break any laws as it pertains to the position he was elected to. So what do you expect them to do? I can't imagine he has much of a future in politics after this....who in their right mind would give him money or votes to run?
It says there might be skeletons in a LOT of closets, and that they don't want to rattle the bones.
That they are as lame as Sarah Palin's resignation speech.
It says they sound like a buncha good Baptists and Methodists to me.
Jack, It is no more pathetic than any of the other scandals that our politicians, Republican and Democrat, get involved in every day. Look around, politicians everywhere, from both parties, are the most corrupt, dispised, group in the country. Noone trusts them, and in many cases the people are right not to trust them, however, they keep getting elected and re-elected. Why?? Now there is a question that REALLY needs an answer.
It says that maybe they are afraid Palin is looking for a new gig and might move in.
It says they don't believe in family values. By not calling for his resignation, they are condoning his actions.
Well, it's not like he's running the country. Ooops, that was Clinton wasn't it and exactly how long did he hold on to his job after lying to the ENTIRE country.... several times..... on national television too? something about throwing stones and living in glass houses me thinks.....
It says they're a bunch of Bible-thumping hypocrites, which most of us have known all along. As long as Sanford lives up to the state GOP's expectations as an racist and elitist and keeps throwing in a scripture quote or two when he's caught with his pants down (literally)it's perfectly acceptable for him to betray and demean his wife, and even to wander off to his honey in Argentina without telling anyone.
You've got to give the GOP credit, Jack. They know what their REAL "core values" are and they consistently live down to them.
Susan
Tuscaloosa AL
Why should the Republican Party in South Carolina be any different than the republican Party in any other state? They consistently take a holier-than-thou pedestal, fall on their keesters, and then expect the voters to look the other way. If they are to have any chance of surviving, they need to own up to their shortcomings and sweep those that don't out the door. Oh yeah, and get off that pedestal; we know you for what you are.
They should change their symbol to hippo instead of elephant.
Hopefully it means the next South Carolina will be a Democrat.
You said it Jack, "hyprocrisy and Pathetic". This is why I am now a democrat. My republician sister told me the other day, there is nothing wrong what Sanford did because both democrats and republicains have cheated on their spouses. My respondence to her was, "Our mother had always told us, that two wrongs don't make it right and at least the democrats have never claimed to be the party of "family values", the moral majority, the "christian party" one chosen by God, the rightous party, pro life, etc etc etc." You all get the point.
That they really don't focus on family.... as they preach.
figures.....it was the opportune time to get him out of there, and get some decency in society back to SC...their school systems are terrible, the highways not much better.....unemployment is (to me) awful high....and yet, its like...."oh well,".....
It says that Sanford was at least honest when caught. What does it say when the holier than thou John Edwards cheated on his wife, fathered a child with her, tried to pay her off with campaign money and lied about it. Bill Clinton and his on duty affair with an intern and lied about it. Politicians are a bunch of cheats from both sides, what's with making it a Republican issue?
Sadly, Jack, it means that the SCGOP is content to allow our state to remain poor, ignorant and backward so they can keep their "good ol' boy" in charge. When Republicans talk about family values, they mean yours – not theirs.
Cheryl in Bluffton, SC
It would be throwing stones at a mirror.
That they don't have a clue what should come next.
Having been employed in management by a Fortune 500 company for many years I know that the disappearance by any middle or upper manager or an excutive such as Sanford would have very real and serious negative reaction . Not because of the morality issue but for the simple reason of disappearing for a week would resulted in your permanent disappearance from the compensation rolls.
Jack, it means the GOP is no different than the mules in blue. And all the fist pounding in pulpits won't change the phoniness and claims that conservative politics and virtue share any common ground.
It has nothing to do with God or morals and everything to do with opportunism and situational ethics.
If it wasn't so pathetic it would be funny.
You obviously do not understand South Carolina politics. Neither do I and I live here. My guess is that the rule of “The Good Ol’ Boys” prevails. You summed it up perfectly when you said, “Sanford’s own party is saying they don’t trust him and don’t think he can effectively perform his duties as Governor; but it’s okay with them if he continues in South Carolina’s highest office.” This state is ruled by the Republican legislature, and now they have Sanford right where they want him. In the meantime, the senate’s President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell continues to be the most powerful person in South Carolina.
As a SC resident who is a Democrat, I am in favor of Sanford serving out the rest of his term. I like it that the GOP'ers, while claiming to be the " party of family values" have to face up to their hypocrisy every day for the next 18 months. Perhaps they will eventually realize that they aren't any better than anyone else.
It means that they don't really mean what they say. What else is new about that Jack?
He should NOT resign. When a Democrat does unfavorable behavior it's swept underneath the carpet but when a Republican does the same thing he has to resign. So if he is ousted then all corrupt Dems should be as well.
Jack – Why are we talking about resignation? If every politician that cheated on their spouse were to resign – we would be left with NO ONE!
The problem with Sanford and the Republicans is the Moral High Ground that they have taken – and their enforcement of it over the last 25 years! They are just showing how hippocratic they really are!
Gov. Sanford must have a good memory or a book of secrets. It makes me think that if he is forced to resign, it could cause an avalanche of resignations in the middle of summer.
Birds of a feather flock together. The flock don't want the hurt birdy to get mad and start tweeting.
Hi Jack, My thoughts go beyond this just being a republican issue. What I see is this country having a serious integrity and accountability problem, which is only getting worse. No one seems to care anymore. Our policital leaders and business leaders seem to have one agenda and one agenda only, themselves. To answer your question directly, in my opinion, this puts that party in the toilet.
It says they're concerned about members of their party getting caught having affairs and making them look bad . . . . its just fine as long as you dont get caught because you can't tell me he's the only one!
It means the approve of it as they all are doing it, and Republicans have no one else they could put in that seat. Goodbye Republicans
I think it says they're self-righteous hypocrits.
It says, the majority of the party won't publicly condone such behavior, but privately understands and that the pot shouldn't be calling the kettle black. Hay, Atleast they aren't being hypocrites.
It says that they do not truely believe or support the values they claim to hold so dear ! It shows they are weak !
It says that Republicans are just like Democrats. The self-righteous Dems don't apply the same standard when one of their own messes around (read: Clinton). Both parties are only interested in winning; neither cares about truth or justice.
Frankly a "slap on the wrist" by the Republican Party in S Carolina relative to Gov Sanford's dallyings is just plain laughable! They would be better off severing a part of his anatomy that resides below his belt if you ask me. Then perhaps he wouldn't be tempted to engage in "dallyings" and he could think with his "big head" without any interference thus getting on with the business of governing!!! My guess is that his wife wouldn't mind that plan of action either although it could result in her engaging in a few "dallyings" herself, a well earned reward in my opinion.
This is why the GOP has no right to lobby against gay marriage.
Jack,
If Sanford were a "Liberal" Governor the Democrats would be bending over backwards to shield and support him. The true hypocrisy lies in the Democratic party. Sanford at least came out and said he was untrustworthy.
It doesn't surprise me that a politician cheats on his spouse. That alone is not grounds for resigning. BUT what does bother me is he was missing for 5 or 6 days and did not transfer any power to the Lt. Gov. To me that alone is reason enough to call for his resignation and get it.
it is a great example of another american double morale.