SC speaker wants Sanford to resign

Posted: Tuesday, September 08, 2009 3:27 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: States, Republicans

From NBC's Mark Murray
Bobby Harrell, the Republican speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives, has become the latest state GOP officeholder to call for embattled Gov. Mark Sanford (R) resign from office.

Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, who would succeed Sanford in office, also has asked for the governor's resignation.

"It was with much thought and trepidation that I came to this conclusion," Harrell said in a statement. "I did so only after I spoke with colleagues in the Legislature, talked with leaders in our communities, heard from numerous citizens from across the state and carefully reviewed the facts surrounding the situation."

"What has become clear is that Governor Sanford's issues will continue to dominate our state as long as he remains in office. Whether he should be removed from office is a question that will need to be answered from the State Ethics Commission investigation, but our state's future is too important to have the Governor's issues overshadow everything we do for the next fifteen months. For the good of our state, Governor Sanford should step aside."

*** UPDATE *** Below is the full letter Harrell sent Sanford

The Honorable Marshall C. Sanford, Jr.
Governor of South Carolina
State House, First Floor
Columbia, South Carolina 29211

Dear Governor Sanford:

It is with great thought and much trepidation that I feel compelled to send you this letter requesting that you resign from the office of Governor of South Carolina. The events of the past several weeks have brought to light disturbing facts regarding your and your administration. More importantly, these events and your handling of these events have created an environment that makes it impossible for you to continue to lead our state.

The revelation on June 24, 2009, of your extra-marital affair was both shocking and disappointing. However, even more disturbing was your decision to abandon our state for five days with no known method to contact you and without notifying others of the potential need for orderly succession of power in the case of an emergency. This was at a minimum a gross misjudgment by you, and has led to calls by several members of the General Assembly for legislation to make sure that this never happens again.

After the revelations of June 24th, I felt that the following weeks would be vital to determining whether you could effectively remain as Governor of South Carolina. However, in the two plus months since you revelations, other disturbing facts have continued to trickle out relating to possible misconduct and potential violations of the state law that have occurred during your administration. These facts have led to an ongoing Ethics Commission investigation into a number of allegations against you.

The daily trickle of allegations against you has shown that there is no end in sight to the constant distractions cause by you remaining in office. The unfavorable and unending national news coverage your actions have caused is portraying our state and our government in a very negative way. Far too much time is being occupied with daily questions related to the next "Sanford Issue" and is pushing aside the ability of our state to deal with the pressing issues it faces.

Your actions have amounted to a self-inflicted wound that has forced unnecessary suffering on the people of South Carolina. This has placed tremendous stress and uncertainty on the citizens of our state at a time when we need to be focused on more important issues. South Carolina is currently facing a severe economic downturn and we should be focused on job creation, education, the state budget and health care. It is time for you to step aside so that we can get back focused on dealing with the important issues facing our state.

This is a critical time for South Carolina to have strong and effective leadership for our people. Unfortunately, the recent controversies and negative publicity surround your personal life and administration make it clear that you are not in a position to lead us in that direction. Thus, for the benefit of the people of South Carolina, I respectfully request that you resign as Governor and allow our state to close this chapter and begin anew.

                                                                                      Sincerely,
                                                                                      Robert W. Harrell, Jr.
                                                                                      Speaker of the House

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Comments

So, just so we all understand what's happening here. Republicans are calling for Sanfords resignation on ethical grounds, but Democrats refuse to call for tax-cheat Charlie Rangles resignation on both legal and ethical grounds.

Interesting.

Ellie P., Pine Grove, NC (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 3:37 PM)

What's also crystal clear is this lying cheating scumbag isn't going anywhere...

Because he's on a 'secret squirrel' mission now... dontcha know?

“You know,” the exhausted South Carolina governor says, “everybody is assigned their own secret-agent mission in life. And at times the tricky part, the hard part, is finding out what that is."

PUHLEEEZE... I'm about to lose my lunch over this one!

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 3:38 PM)

I really don't know what Sanford is holding on to.

He has disgraced himself big time and his wife has moved out but she'll forgive him. She's giving him time.

Of course we did have Slick Willie pull something a bit similiar and much more serious, considering he was president and lied too.

Maybe the real diff here is that Hillary didn't move out. She had way too much to lose politically. She held on and perservered, if you call losing an election to a radical socialist and playing his second banana by accepting a Sec. of State role .... perserverence.

Moon Dawg (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 3:39 PM)

Save your breath...he's only out for himself.

Heck, obama's green energy guy did the right thing and resigned, yet this a-hole uses taxpayer money for a south american booty call and decides that he did nothing wrong.

There's that self-serving stereotype being put to use again.

Greg P. NW Indiana (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 3:40 PM)

Many wanted Clinton to resign but many felt he did not need to, that he could still be president.

It's a difficult call on his part knowing others have survived their indiscretions.

Too close to call at this point. Clinton set the precedence.

Ed Crane, Middlebury, IN (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 3:42 PM)

Like President Reagan once said, "Boys will be boys. But boys will not be President." Think this applies to Sanford?

Ron Indiana (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 3:43 PM)

Although I wish the best for Gov Sanford and his family and pray they can be restored as a family, I do agree it's best for him to step down. By humbling himself he would show his family and his state that depite huge mistakes, he's now willing to do the right thing for all.

Hey First Read, this post shows you're able to dedicate a whole posting to one politicians ethical/moral issues. WHere then are the whole postings dedicated to Van Jones, a thorough look at his beliefs, his statements, the Obama vetting process that allowed him in,...etc. How about the same for Charlie Rangel....a whole posting dedicated to everyone of his un-reported assets and income.....why the Pelosi lead "investigation" is taking way too long (even by normally slow congressional standards) and Rangel's distraction attacks at his opponents. Is there any REASON you don't report more on these? It wouldn't be liberal bias, now would it?

Legitimate posting about Sanford/What about Van Jones, Rangel...? (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 3:43 PM)

Mark Sanford should resign only after Charlie Rangle resigns.

john (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 3:56 PM)

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:00 PM)

It's not the crime, it's the incrediible hypocrisy.

John "my moomy pays my whores" Ensign (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:03 PM)

I call for Obama to resign in hopes of saving this country..and take your commie friends with you

Resign now Obama (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:04 PM)

The problem with both Sanford's and Palin's insistence that they are being treated unfairly by faceless "liberals" or the media is that the most biting criticism in both cases came/has come from Republicans.

http://www.political-buzz.com/

matt (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:13 PM)

What does it take for him to get the hint? Maybe if the Christian Mafia guy from C Street told him to go,..but then he would have to admit that he wasn't like Hitler or all the other Idols the Christian Mafia worships as their 'heroes' in their world dominance project. They need to go.

Heidi Morgan Santa Cruz CA (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:14 PM)

LOL

Rod, Columbia, South Carolina (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:17 PM)

Who cares about this dweeb, someone should be asking Max Baucus to take a hike, what a complete tool.

MK,MO (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:18 PM)

HONORABLE REPUBLICANS WANT SANFORD TO RESIGN --- EVEN THOUGH THE LIBERAL MEDIA HAS GIVEN JOHN EDWARDS A PASS ON HIS INFIDELITY.

BOTH SANFORD & JOHN EDWARDS ARE SLEEZEBALLS ... (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:18 PM)

As a resident of S.C. I totally agree with Bobby Harrell, our govenor was never very effective to begine with now he is useless. Most of us dont really concern ourselves with his affair, that would be between him and his wife, but leaving this state with no way to reach him for 5 days, no one left in charge. He should be forced to resign or impeachment proceedings should start yesterday. Give this man another month in office and he will do exactley what he did the day he walked into the Govenors mansion, go to his office and shut the door, this is the most we have heard from him since he was elected, ( not counting when he was running for President and refusing to take stimulus money). This guy is a hypocritical jerk, he needs to go on home to the Plantation in Beaufort and be a farmer, that may be where his true calling lies, ( nothing against farmers, most valuable asett this country has right now). Go away, Sanford, Go away.

marty holloman (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:24 PM)

Like President Reagan once said, "Boys will be boys. But boys will not be President." Think this applies to Sanford?
Ron Indiana

Billy "BJ" Clinton proved that one wrong now didn't he?

With the likes of thievery in today's legislative branch it's hard to decide who should be allowed to stay or made to go. Amusing but sad.

Ed Crane, Middlebury, IN (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:24 PM)

From the Kennedy thread:

Ron - Great idea, or as Teddy may have said, "I'll drink to that." (Me too.)

Chris - Thanks for the correction. I remember a black man I worked with back during the Columbine disaster. He was smart, hard-working and extremely street smart. I asked him, "Why is it always white teenage males who do these horrible things."
He replied, "It is an overreaction because white kids are afraid of failure. Black kids grow up knowing failure is a part of living and they have accepted it."

A simple but sound explanation that I have adapted in my own personal mindset. Now I realize why I have often failed at going after a goal I have been afraid I could not attain. Now I realize, What do I have to lose?" (Thanks, Nate, wherever you are now.)

Tim Stocken, Highland Lakes, NJ (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:26 PM)

I think your state's future was riding on educating your children; but since you all pulled the kiddos out of school to protest the President, I'd pretty much say all bets are off. Let Sanford stay. He isn't interested in leaving.
Clara Kansas City, MO

If Obama really believed in what he said today, it would be one thing, but he does not share that message with the voting public now does he. Obama lied, again. Double standards are perceived well in children's eyes. Don't you agree Clara?

Marcus D., Chicago (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:26 PM)

Hear ye, hear ye...

I'm not claiming to be the state genius but this here thought entered my mind uggghhhhh I reckon round 30 secs after I heard my guv was gone for five or so days and not catchin up with nor carin bout us good ole boys. Sorry to hear our speaker been strugglin so with this here eeeaaasssyyy decision.

A roll in the hay doesn't always make for gettin stuck in manure.

Sweet SC TEA (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:27 PM)

Gov Sanford appears to be losing his case with his own party.

From earlier. I don't recall who commented that they had done their best not to tie racism with the behavior of the right. I, too, have tried not to think that but with the nonsense about Pres Obama's speaking to school children, there really is no other explanation except that certain people are unwilling to accept the fact that a mixed-race person is president. The extreme right has become unhinged and nothing they do even remotely makes sense any more. Again, I ask, where are the adults in the GOP elected officials? It troubles me to think that the reason we don't hear them debunking the nonsense, is that they cannot accept Pres Obama either and not because he is a democrat.

Jody, Iowa (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:28 PM)

I'm surprised right wingers still want him around. Is he benefiting you in some way? I mean I understand you want the best for his family, but the best thing for his family is to get them the hell off the national stage so they can go through this family problem in PRIVATE.

John, Sf, CA (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:30 PM)

Legitimate posting. You missed the point, the GOP state speaker of the house asked for Sanford's resignation--that's the news, not the moral dilemma that Sanford is in. As for Van Jones, he resigned and the comments he made have been well covered in the media; the vetting process is less rigid for personnel who don't require congressional approval. And Rangel is under investigation, and claims he has done nothing wrong; you know, innocent until proven guilty. The same goes for Sanford except he admitted to the affair. It's time for Rachel Maddow to get out her lengthy list of Bush administration personnel who were fired, arrested, or resigned because of questionable activities just to remind you right wingers that a Van Jones is not unusual.

Jody, Iowa (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:36 PM)

If I am absent from my job for 5 days without telling any one how to reach me, I would be fired. This whole issue should not be about the affair, but about performing his job. He was derelict at his job duties, he charged the state for personal expenses, even if he is paying back after the fact - if he was not caught he would have billed the state for expenses that should have been personal.

kathy, eau claire, wi (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:37 PM)

I don't recall who commented that they had done their best not to tie racism with the behavior of the right.

Democrats are the party harboring racial hate, internally but more often externally of recent times. I have met more racist democrats in my travels than republicans ever. Many Democrats hide behind the disguise of peace with this disease in their hearts.

Calling Republicans racist is hillarious. Democrats call for division and ridicule more than anyone.

Josh Larson, FL (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:42 PM)

Who will be paying the doctors and Hospitals under the Obama Healthcare Reform?

Can someone answer this simple question?

Kathy, Charlotte (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:48 PM)

I believe that most people would be fine with Sanford remaining in office.....if there was an agreement that far-right extremists like Cheney, Delay, Buchanan,Limbaugh,Scarborough,Beck,Hannity,etc,would leave the country. It would be a MUCH better country without the hate speeches, lies, & racism.

C.Myles/Oak Hall, VA (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:48 PM)

James, TX (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:49 PM)

As an independent, I revere the standards set by the Republicans of the 70s/80s, such as fiscal responsibility and higher standards for those that serve the interests of the people. But again and again they contradict their own standards. It's their standards and they can't even live up to them. The Dems may be weak, but at least they don't set these standards and absolutely refuse to live up to them.
Fiscal responsibility? They have let down every American by ballooning the national debt. War or not, the real Republicans of the 70s/80s would not have irresponsibly blown up the debt.
Family values? Vitter, Craig, Foley, Ensign, Sanford, etc... Are you kidding me? These people don't even live up to their own standards. They are an embarrassment to all of us who believe in family values. To allow them to remain makes Repubs no better than Dems.

Tambers Hall, D.C. (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:50 PM)

Ellie P., Pine Grove, NC: '...So, just so we all understand what's happening here. Republicans are calling for Sanfords resignation on ethical grounds, but Democrats refuse to call for tax-cheat Charlie Rangles resignation on both legal and ethical grounds....'

Actually, the Republicans gave Ted Stevens A STANDING OVATION when he returned to the Seante AFTER BEING CONVICTED
While you at it, Sen David Vitter has not resigned after being outed to having DAIPERS put on his sorry A$$ by his Prostitute lover

Many Republicans knew that Rep Mark Foley (F-FLA) was molesting Congressional pages

Newt Gingrich is STILL greeted warmly by Republicans after all of his convictions for Corruption and his status as a Dead Beat dad

Other than that Republicans are pretty moral, huh ??

PS
Where ARE thos WMDs ???

MSoerra, SF (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:50 PM)

This behavior is the norm for South Carolina politicians. Where was all the outrage from these paragons of virtue when we learned about Strom Thurmond's love child with a young domestic in his home who had little power to decline his advances. South Carolina politics reeks of corruption because of a hypocritical social system. As the saying goes, "South Carolina : too small to be a nation; too large to be an insane asylum."

Shay. Greensboro, nc (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:53 PM)

Jody from Iowa--I'm sad to say I agree with you. It doesn't say much about the people who refuse to speak out against these behaviors--if they don't agree then they must be afraid of the mob.

Steeler Fan Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:58 PM)

Let's not talk about the sins of Mr. Clinton in comparison. I get it, Mark.

Louigi (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 5:06 PM)

Yes, Gov Sanford has interrupted the US banana repuplic's focus on their fraudulant wars of aggression on Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan. How can we terrorize the people of these countries when distrated by hanky panky of a naughty govenor. He must be impeached so we can focus our full attention on the killing the people of those lands when they object to our crimes against hummanity without further reminder that we have needs at home. We need to keep the US terror on the Middle East, otherwise we might have to pull off yet another covert 9-11 operation to re-prime our wars of choice.

Philip Dennay, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 5:13 PM)

Does Rep. Boustany speak for all doctors? I don't think so. Is he still a practicing doctor or has he been in Congress so long his licence has expired? Which plan does Boehner refer to since no plan has made it out of committee and to the floor for either side of the capitol to vote on?
S.B. Stein E.B. NJ

Do Obama/Pelosi/Reid speak for all Americans? Not a chance. They speak for the left wing loon fringe of the country. Luckily they don't represent the majority of Americans. And that's why socialized health care will be defeated.

Granger, Wisconsin (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 5:13 PM)

Morals are so politically convenient for people to observe. I'm sure there are people who want to see every politician drown in humiliation. What I am absolutely positive of is that the State of South Carolina and the citizens thereof are not above God or reproach. So whoever knows no sin, cast the first stone. [Political opponents throw the stones anyway, which is my case.]

Sheila Dean (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 5:22 PM)

Just think about this from a logical perspective. If you left your job for five days without telling anyone would you still have your job when you came back? I'm sure that most of us know the answer to that question. Think about how much more severe the situation is when a state official does the same thing.

Nate, Idaho (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 5:40 PM)

Legitimate posting about Sanford/What about Van Jones, Rangel...? (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 3:43 PM)
----------------------------------------------------
By all means, let's talk about Van Jones. Let's examine the facts:

1. The right claimed he was an ex-con. This is not true. He DOES have an arrest record. He was never convicted, never prosecuted, never even charged. In fact, he was awarded a settlement for violation of his rights. - Verdict, NOT AN EX-CON

2. The right claims he is a racist. The best evidence I have seen from this is a video clip of him saying that no blacks have committed anything like Columbine. But then he goes on to talk about how white kids need the same programs and attention that kids of color get so that we can avoid future Columbines. Verdict - NOT A RACIST

3. The right claims he is a communist. He did make a comment that "By August I was a communist." It was an off the cuff comment about how angry he was. That is similar to say, I was so angry I could have killed them. But we all know he didn't mean it. Verdict - NOT A COMMUNIST

4. The right claims he said republicans are a#%*&les. He said that, and also said he too, could be an a#%*&les. Verdict - HE SAID IT

5. The right said he was the Green Jobs Czar. That is not his title and implies he is at a cabinet level. He had two Senate approved levels between himself and the President. Verdict - He was NOT GREEN JOBS CZAR

So really, what you have him on, is that he called republicans a very nasty word. But then I didn't see you all asking for Dick Cheney to resign when he used foul language directed at other people. But then he was just the Vice President, not a simple adviser way down the ranks of an administration!

Chris - IL (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 5:43 PM)

Marcus D., Chicago (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:26 PM)

Good to know YOU know what the President believes and doesn't believe. You argument does lack logic however. Here's a guy who's mother and grandparents pushed him to do well in school. He got into college and by some accounts, almost blew it. But then he buckled down, when to Harvard, and became President of the United States. Why on earth would you argue he doesn't believe education is important?

Chris - IL (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 5:55 PM)

Ok, this does seriously bother me...this Van Jones character espoused marxist politics. That's not disputed. He also called Repubs an apt, but very inappropriate name.

How did I not find out about this until just recently? And why did I have to go elsewhere to get the facts? I am an Obama fan too, but it's YOUR job Firstread to get this info out.

In my opinion, espousing communist views is MUCH more important to know about a presidential advisor than whether a governor had an affair.

James, TX (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:49 PM
------------------------------------------------------
James, I have seen no evidence that he did anything more than say, "By August, I was a communist." I hardly consider that promoting communism!

Pretty much everything the right said about him was the crafty use of sound bites, that eliminated anything except the desired quote to try to paint him as a racist, communist, ex-con.

Chris - IL (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 5:58 PM)

Politicians have been going on extramarital "booty" calls for as long as there have been politicians. When Clinton's affair was being brought before the kangaroo court by people as guilty or guiltier than him people in other countries were laughing their botties off. To think that we were so anal rententive (pardon the pun) that we would be that upset about something like that was ridiculous in their minds. Even in our own country the history of powerful men includes that sort of thing. George Washington had Sally Fairfax, FDR had his secretary and even old General Ike had his driver he was messing around with. President Buchanan had his Veep to share his bed with and there were others at all levels. Sanford isn't any different. The only thing with Sanford is that he comes from a party of holier than thou family values types who in their own minds are quick to criticize others while they sneak out the back door to their own trysts. Hypocrits. If they weren't so hypocritical I believe this would have blown over before it really got started.

eagle1776 (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 6:51 PM)

Come on Bobby, Sanford says that he knows God forgives him, why can't you? Don't you believe in a merciful God? God loves the sinner and, Lord knows Sanford is a sinner. Republican. The Party of Sinners. God loves 'em!

thebob.bob (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 6:59 PM)

ALL of SC is laughing at this fool & that is a state that is dominated by the GOP. The GOP WANTS him out-everyone in SC does-except for some of the Dems, who are too busy laughing their asses off, especially after they saw THIS post in the far right FITS News:

Mark Sanford is Bond-James Bond-007

http://www.fitsnews.com/2009/09/08/mariapussy-the-trail-that-never-goes-cold/

Don't Fire Sanford-He's the gift that Keeps on Giving! (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 9:50 PM)

As for who pays for health care under the Obama plan? The same people who pay for it now. You and me. DUH

Jenny, Seattle Wa (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 10:47 PM)

For all those Republicans who want the President to resign cause they dont like him... HOW ABOUT THEM APPLES?

Eric Pittsburgh PA (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 12:34 AM)

Oh Please, Governor Stanford, Do Not Resign. Keep holding yourself up as the biggest Hypocrit in Politics, for all the world to see. Unlike Bill Clinton, who knew he had a problem sticking to his vows, you stood on a platform of Family Values and put down anyone who was not as "pure" as you are. Old Bill had a problem, but he never left his post for any length of time, much less 5 days, so he could screw a foreign woman. Family Values? Republican Hypocrits. Those two phrases go together like soap and water.

Kitty N. Cobleskill NY (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 8:42 AM)

Hey Ellie the letter was written by People in South Carolina not New York. What doe s this have to do with Rangel. This is the proble with Republicans, they want to look good & point there finger away form themselves. So my point is what does this conversation have to do with Rangel & New York, when it is about S. Carolina.. By the way have you seen the standing ovations Repbulicans give there senators when they cheat, Nevada, Stevens get a grip Ellie. No one in this world is perfect. Has Rangel been indcited or convicted of anything, until he has which would not surpise me, they are Politicans, with different labels after all, you can't just acvcuse people just because you read it in a newspaper or online.

Greg (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 9:39 AM)

Who will be paying the doctors and Hospitals under the Obama Healthcare Reform?

Can someone answer this simple question? - Kathy Charlotte
==========================
Why would it be any different then what it is now?

If you're referring to payment under the Public Option, it would be the same type of entity that does the Medicare reimbursement...hence government run. That's a major part of the argument..overhead is not as costly within the Public Sector as it has become in the Private Sector.

Allen - Omaha, NE (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 12:29 PM)

Here's a really good post on Sanford - I couldn't agree more with:

http://www.wastedcarbon.com/2009/08/open-letter-to-governor-mark-sanford/

Thom Willard (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 2:33 PM)

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