Sanford to return to work tomorrow

Posted: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 10:59 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: States, Republicans

From NBC's Mark Murray
Mark Sanford's office has announced that the South Carolina governor -- "taken aback by all of the interest" in his trip -- will return to work tomorrow.

Said spokesman Joel Sawyer in an e-mail to reporters:

Governor Sanford called to check in with his Chief of Staff this morning. It would be fair to say the governor was somewhat taken aback by all of the interest this trip has gotten.

Given the circumstances and the attention this has garnered, the governor communicated to us that he plans on returning to the office tomorrow.

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Comments

Darn.... I was hoping he would stay gone

Dave F., Florence SC (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:02 AM)

Imagine that. A man took a few days off. How did SC get along without him?

Debbie Hayes, Dallas Tx (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:03 AM)

Yawn....how can one backwards arse rightwingnut from SC garner so much press?

Rick, NC (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:03 AM)

BoBo the Prez (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 9:40 AM)

Hey BoBo,

Any comment on the news that the RNC recently gave your firm $1M to develop more ridiculous names to call the President that only resonate with 25% of the country? Or the news that they are not happy with your spending half of it to come up with "BoBo the Prez"? To quote Sen. McConnell, "Is that the best you've got?"
Investigative Journalist for Fox News

-----------------------------

Actually, BoBo came from Michelle Obama.
Its the pet name she uses for her husband.

However, you might be right about the money?
Michelle probably did get paid 1 million for it.
Afterall, she got paid 300K for a job she never showed up to!

You could probably do the research on "why mem dont like condoms" for half of the 425K that BoBo is giving his friend on a "no-bid" gift.

However, why with the transparency that BoBo promiced, cant we find out who BoBo is giving the money to???

I bet you cant find out who???

I bet is someone from ACORN or George Soros?

BoBo the Prez (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:04 AM)

From NBC's Mark Murray
Mark Sanford's office has announced that the South Carolina governor -- "taken aback by all of the interest" in his trip -- will return to work tomorrow.

Still sounds weird to me...keep us posted on this one.

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:05 AM)

I am really relieved that the Governor is okay - the mommy in me was really starting to worry! :)

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:06 AM)

We have the scoop here, but can't give out the details until the contracts are completed and signed. Just be satisfied for the moment to know the governor is safe and sound, hidden away on an out of business golf course in Myrtle Beach.
He was in fact out hiking the trail, but it was the Happy Trails last heard in the song of the same name by Roy Rogers. You may not be aware, but Roy was a loyal republican and the governor went out looking for Roy's soul to obtain the holy grail of republican politics, a cause. Not just any cause, but a cause the republicans can support and believe in. Along the way, Sanford not only encounters Rogers, but also many prominent republicans of the past. Back when the party still got to use a capital "A."

We may not hear again from Sanford and not just because of the cuts and bruises he suffered trying to keep up with Trigger. Apparently, there is a movie in the works, with all proceeds going to Sanford's presidential campaign, or the Sarah Palin wildlife refuge for devoured carcasses, whichever is still in business at the movie's release date.

The problem is Sanford can't decide whether to go with Fox News or Marvil Comics. "Fox may not be in the movie business, but their expertise in fiction is really without peer," said a spokesperson. "However the governor likes the outstanding color available from the comic book's cartoon division," she added. "It's the only place he can get a tan to rival Bohner."

Details are forthcoming...

Tim Stocken, Highland Lakes, NJ (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:07 AM)

FR: It would be fair to say the governor was somewhat taken aback by all of the interest this trip has gotten.

Sanford should know better. The liberal media always sees a conspiracy, especially if a conservative is the subject matter. You see, liberals and the liberal media can't bear the thought that a "leader" isn't there to tell them what to do. A liberals "thought" process is "How in the world can people even breath without someone telling them to inhale/exhale/repeat?".

I hope Governor Sanford enjoyed his vacation.

Mary C. Riley, Burlington VT (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:08 AM)

This guy has more common sense than anyone in the Obama administration. Well, that's an easy point to make so I apologize for the bad example.

Obama llama, here's to your grandma, who you so casually threw under the bus. We don't forget.

Monkberry Moon (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:09 AM)

Still... They "say" they spoke to him... But did they... Seems very mysterious.

Uh... I don't know where he is.

Uh... He is trying to get away from his onw children.

Uh... He went hiking.

Uh... He's coming in on Wednesday.

I'll believe it when I see it.

John Lemaster (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:09 AM)

Tell Sanford to go back to where ever he was hiding, his state is better off without him.

gepa (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:10 AM)

Back to the Grindstone...for the

P.A.R.T.Y. O.F. N.O.

Prepare as Republicans take your only freedoms, Net-worth, & Opportunities.

GP NW Indiana (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:12 AM)

So he's AWOL for 4 days then surprised folks took notice? Does "take leave of your senses" ring a bell?

ujw, ny (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:16 AM)

That's too bad for the people of South Carolina that Lost Sanford will be returning to keep destroying their state with his incomeptent leadership. I'm sure that first he's got to stash his mistress before the media sees and phtographs her. Why else disappear over Father's Day weekend and not tell his wife than he's got something to hide, like a mistress. No wonder he made sure to not tell anyone where he was because he has someone to hide. I'm sure the juicy details will come out sooner or later and we'll see another false family values repugnant one beg for forgiveness for being overcome by the Viagra.

Stay Lost Sanford!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:16 AM)

The man is shocked, so shocked, about the interest shown when he -- a state governor -- disappears for days, purportedly on an innocent little hiking trip, and yet he forgets to tell anyone -- even his chief of staff or his wife -- where he's going.

But come to think of it, this does explain a few things about him. I mean, talk about out of touch.

Anna Molly (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:17 AM)

Sounds to me that Mark Sanford is a little irresponsible, don't you think? Anyone that is in public office gives up their right to privacy just because they choose to be in public office. Get real, Mark. Think you will have any privacy if you run for president. Don't think so!

JoAnn, Moundsville, WV (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:18 AM)

A sitting governor can't just up and leave and not tell anyone (even his family??) where he's going. That's irresponsible, and it speaks volumes about Mark Sanford.

Gov. Sanford, you owe your constituents an apology and an explanation.

Gail, TN (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:24 AM)

This is more than likely a complete non-story. But you have to place some of the blame on the staff and the Giv. Who leaves thier family for four days and does tell them where he is going. And his staff did not know either so obviously worried, these people asked the authorities for help locating him. This how it became a story. If you need to write or think maybe let people know where or that you are going to out of pocket for a while.....duh....plus disappearing from you family does seem like something a responsible parent does

pthomas KY (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:30 AM)

To P Slade, from an earlier thread:

"The chain of command is established in the state constitution. As far as his family goes, what business is it of yours? How do you know what agreements, or disagreements, Sanford has in his family. And why do you care?"
------------------------------------------------------
Well, since you asked so nicely:

First, there were conflicting messages from the Governor's and Lieutenant Governor's office yesterday regarding the "absence"- that leads one to reasonably conclude that Gov. Sanford just took off without any advance notice- pretty irresponsible for the head guy in the state. As far as his family situation- I agree with you in that it is nobody's business- until Gov. Sanford decides to trot out his family as proof of his "family values"- should he decide to throw his hat in the ring for 2012.

As I stated before, if Sanford wants to run for President, then it is OUR business- or is everything forgiven if you have the (R) behind your name? Well, I supported those folks for many years- your arguments won't work on me.

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:40 AM)

Sorry Repubs, but the Governor of a state's number one job is the state. You don't leave for a week without telling people where you are going, or at least putting the Lt Gov in charge. And being gone over Father's Day when the guy has four young kids, and his wife doesn't know where he is but says, "he had to get away from the kids to write something." is either self centered or crazy. So you pick. We'll accept your choice. But please don't say that we wouldn't worry if it were a Dem Gov--we would!

LB, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:42 AM)

Sanford misses Father's Day with his four sons...not even a phone call to his family, but can go "hiking" on the annual "Naked Hiking Day" this past Sunday...Very Interesting!!

Suzanne, Columbia, S.C. (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:47 AM)

On Rachel Maddow's show last night, a reporter for "The State" said that Sanford's office does not put out a calendar for the governor's activities. Odd. And that a while back, Sanford was overseas on a trade mission when an emergency happened back home...no one was sure where he was. What's the secrecy for? It just arouses curiosity, doesn't it?

Carol Anne, Seattle (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:50 AM)

This is not about a liberal media! This is about a man who chose to leave with out telling anyone of his whereabouts. He went AWOL on the citizens of S.C. He has duties that only he can perform as Govornor, if those duties were needed he could NOT act and the citizens of S.C. would have paid dearly! Don't give me the B.S. that he needed down time, if a military commander would have done the very same thing, he would have been charged with AWOL and a whole host of other charges. This man is in charge of the Nation Guard and other services that only he can order into action! The Lt Gov was not placed in that role because Sanford was not incapacitated! He placed the citizens of S.C in harms way all because he needed to clear his head? Come on let's get real, the man chose to put people last by his own actions! He is sworn to duty as Govornor and he chose to break that oath! This has nothing to do about political parties or any type of media, HE CHOSE TO BREAK THE OATH HE WAS SWORN TO!!!!! HE WENT AWOL!!!!!!!!

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:54 AM)

There is something not right about this one, sure hope there are some good investigative journalists who can find out what is really going on. South Carolina is a beautiful state, but since I don't spend money who have repugnant governors, I have not been there in quite some time. (and nope, I did not vacation - not even camp when a repugnant was governor of Tennessee - I'm not gonna give those idiots any extra money to throw at their rich friends).
I do know one thing, if the Gov. of Tennessee (regardless of his party) had done this I'd be extremely angry and vocal about it.

Union Baby, Tennessee (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:54 AM)

I can't believe his wife didn't no where he was. Mine let's me go on trips alone, but she always knows where I'm going and vice versa.

Billy, Mi (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:55 AM)

Soooooo Is this the 'family values' the GOP keeps touting? A father of 4 young sons would rather spend Fathers Day on an 'undisclosed hiking trail' than with his sons?

And, it must happen regularly for his wife to be unconcerned.

Geez...

Lyn, KCMO (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 12:03 PM)

Maybe the secrecy was because of who he might have been out there with. Being a repuke, it could be anything from young Boy Scouts, or an office staffer, or a close female (or maybe male) friend of the family, or a recent restroom stall neighbor, or ????????? Inquiring minds want to know. Why would a father need to get away from his kids on Father's Day? I'll almost bet there's more to this than hiking.

Brian, Cedar Hill, TX (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 12:08 PM)

I've seen a lot of comments from (presumably) Republicans saying the left is making a mountain out of a molehill on the disappearance of Gov. Sanford. I guess they have a lot of practice making lame excuses after eight years of George W. Bush. Think it's no big deal? Okay, why don't you try disappearing for almost a week, not bothering to show up for work or tell any of your employees, your employers, or your family where you'll be or how to reach you. Think anyone might worry about you? Think some of your co-workers might be ticked off at you? Think anyone might think you're a certifiable nutjob?

Nicole, Raleigh, NC (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 12:23 PM)

The Governor is kind of weird. What official just takes off and don't tell anyone including his wife on a father's day weekend.Of course, he wants to be the President one day, Ha Ha

Deb (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 12:29 PM)

Is Sandford going to return part of his salary? He wasn't working for the state for a few days, so he should return the money, shouldn't he? His state, like many others, is having finacial difficulties, correct? It only seems fair to me. Corzine in NJ is only taking $1 a year; there is little for him to give back.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 12:33 PM)

A famous politician disappears from his job and family for 4 days, they tell the press they don't know where he is but they aren't concerned, and then he is surprised by the media attention. Oookaay.

I am not famous. If I disappeared from my and family for 4 days, they would be very concerned. If I just took off hiking without notice like Gov. Sanford did, my family would be angry and upset, and I doubt I would have a job to come back to.

It is simple. Planned Vacation: good. Unplanned Disappearance: bad.

Laurie, Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 12:38 PM)

I thought Governor Sanford was weird when he said he would not take the stimulus money, but now it is clear that he is certifiable. Not spending Fathers Day with the children is way past weird.

Sheila, Pikesville (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 12:53 PM)

Why is it that Americans are so quick to take
such partisan stands on most every issue these
days? Regardless of party affiliation, I think
it is extremely irresponsible for ANY chief executive
of ANY state to pick up and leave without ensuring
that there is someone left in charge to carry
out their duties and responsibilities. Certainly
Governor Sanford is entitled to some R&R;however,
I feel that he exercised poor judgement in this
circumstance. I feel like this is a bit adolescent
on his part.

KG, Wash DC (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 1:14 PM)

Exactly. If he wanted to leave the state, the power to run the state should have been transferred to the LT Governor.

Lia, San Diego (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 2:41 PM)

This is an abnormal psychology issue and all that peace of mind that explanation is absolutely bullshit. This dysfunctional behavior seen in many people but for a public figure it is extremely dangerous and not trustworthy.

sonny (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 2:46 PM)

Is it just a coincidence that Sanford and Rush were "vacationing" the exact same days. Maybe something in the works for conservatives! (Let's hope so!)

JR, FM, SC (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 3:06 PM)

I say, I say, what all the cryin' and carryin' on about? The Gobnah ain't goned he jes' went for a li'l stroll. Down hiah in South Caralina we don't much cotton to Nawthen carpet baggers tellin' our Gobnah that he caint take a li'l relaxin stroll now and then. Y'all need to lighten up, hear?

foghorn leghorn somewhere in SC (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 3:07 PM)

Why did he pick Father's day to get away? Aren't there other weeks in the calendar that he could have took off? This man is irresponsible as a husband, as a father, and as a governor. It doesn't matter his party affiliation or his state. What matters is his weird activities. He is irresponsible and not at all professional.

moir (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 3:32 PM)

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