[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/09/03/art.sanford.0903.gi.jpg caption="Is there any reason not to impeach South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford?"]
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
It's about time. South Carolina legislators are finally debating whether to recommend impeachment of Gov. Mark Sanford.
A resolution says Sanford engaged in "serious misconduct" that amounts to a "dereliction of his duties." It argues that his actions brought "extreme dishonor and shame" to the governor's office and caused South Carolina to suffer ridicule. So what's to debate?
This all goes back to Sanford's disappearance this summer to visit his mistress in Argentina. The governor lied to his staff about his whereabouts telling them he was hiking the Appalachian Trail - on nude hiker's day.
This impeachment debate is only focused on the idea that Sanford was derelict in his duties as governor. But it comes one day after the state ethics commission charged Sanford with 37 counts of violating ethics laws in South Carolina.
Among other things, Sanford is accused of using taxpayer money for high-priced airplane tickets to travel around the world - and to Argentina. Think he's guilty? While the investigation was going on, Sanford set about amending his ethics disclosure documents to reflect the air travel.
In addition to the 37 civil charges, the state attorney general is deciding if there should be criminal charges. What's to debate?
Sanford's lawyers insist the governor hasn't done anything that rises to the level of impeachment. Apparently it's okay to lie about where you're going and steal taxpayer money for personal airplane travel.
Here’s my question to you: Is there any reason not to impeach South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Laura from San Angelo, Texas says:
Not a single reason, Jack. While he went to Argentina with his other brain, he left the citizens of South Carolina without any leadership in the event of any tragedy that could have struck. I hope for his family's sake this will be short and quick because it's going to be painful for all involved.
John from Texas says:
Not a one that I can think of. The guy is an irresponsible thief and has abused his position of public trust. Guilty. Next case.
Jeff from Ohio says:
If they are going to impeach him, then there are tons of other politicians that should be impeached too. Wasting taxpayer dollars is par for the course with these people. Where’s the outrage that Harry Reid used taxpayer money to buy a vote for the health care bill? Or the outrage that Charlie Rangel is still serving?
Sue from Goose Creek, South Carolina says:
So we spend lots of taxpayer money to impeach him and by the time it is finished, he would have been out of office anyway. Tell me this makes sense for a state with the finances we have. It is fine for those not footing the bill to talk but let’s hear from those who are paying for this.
Bonnie from New Jersey says:
It should be mandatory to resign if you go out in public and act like a love sick teenager as he did. My sister lives in Charleston and said he was the first Republican she ever voted for. Until he embarrassed the entire state, she was quite happy with the fiscal job he was doing. He may have had a bright future.
Ann from Hawaii says:
Great Scott, is he still in office? What's the matter with those people? Do they have no pride for their state and what it stands for? The man is a philandering crook and they should have tossed him to the curb long ago.