GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Little Dems - Little Minds — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:17:56 GMT

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:19:51 GMT

Going undergroung? he vanishes without telling his "wife" where he's gone? That's crazy.

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

cindy, las vegas, nv — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:21:09 GMT

This guy has me the impression he's different. Don't mean that in a bad or good way. We all need time to ourselves. I guess the big deal is he was gone on Dad's day. So? Maybe that was his way of celebrating Father's day. I personally don't see anything wrong with that.

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Shawn Atlanta, GA — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:22:06 GMT

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!! (Enough said.)

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Eric, Salinas, CA — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:22:21 GMT

Where in the World is Deadbeat Mark Sanford? Man how funny is it that the repugnant ones can't even keep track of their governors. What a jerk to not inform his wife where he is, disappearing on Father's Day weekend. Just goes to show the kind of false family values the evil elephants really practice. I bet his mistress knows where he is.

He took a hike, yeah right. I guess the kitchen got too hot for this amateur and he had to bail out.

Too bad that Adulterer ensign had to go back to the capital, buy now he's just a shadow of his former self. Serves this self righteous jerk right to get caught playing hanky panky.

Just Stay Lost Sanford!

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Joe Don — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:26:55 GMT

This might qualify for "News of the Weird," but surely there are more important stories for a major news operation to cover. Maybe if you dropped the fluff you'd have sufficient resources to cover real issues in real depth.

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Juan, Ft Lauderdale,fl — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:31:35 GMT

Sanford take a bigger hike. Your grandstanding is getting old. Boo hoo! Please get over it. Keep up w/ the gop playbook by obfusgating everything Obama trying to do to clean up your party's pathetic stewardship of the country for eight long years.

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

John Lemaster — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:32:21 GMT

Still noone has spoken to him. They changed their story about knowing where he is but still none admit to speaking with him since sunday of later.

Lies. Lies. Lies.

I even read one report that he is seeking clinical help.

Why all the lies?

The wife says to get away from his children. Great family values. I feel stress in my life so the first thing I want to do is get away from my children.

What know family first?

The wife does not know where he is but now all of a sudden the staff does?

I hope he is OK and does not do anything to harm himself.

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

dandelion_mom, Albion, Michigan — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:38:15 GMT

The Governor sounds like a wise man dealing with serious issues that concern every constituent in his State. More leaders should have the strength to step away from the "noise" of politics. Choosing to spend time reflecting these issues, listening to his conscience, and remembering what the people of his State need and want is a great thing. Doing these things while surrounded by the peace and power of nature shows a well-grounded person. If it's true he is hiking, more power to him. I hope he comes back refreshed and ready to continue his stand and fight for the people of his State.

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:48:37 GMT

Here's a manufactured story if there was one. Gov. Sanford took a long weekened. That's it. All you overheated with hate drooling lefties wanted it to be something nefarious, something you could use to continue your hatred towards conservatives, but the man just took a long weekend!
Little Dems - Little Minds (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 9:17 AM)

Actually---this is a story as he left the Lt. Gov in a serious situation as well as the citizens of S.C. This could have been considered a serious breach of security. His actions were chosen poorly--period! As for the spouse, he must not respect her enough with trust to let her know, or it could be a case she knew but stated something different. Either way he left the Lt. Gov is a serious situation and the citizens of the state!

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

TheDonald — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:49:42 GMT

So much for "Family Values" party. Who would have guessed that spending father's day away from the kids is good, goimg by Mr Sanford's standard.

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Tony Farley — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:51:15 GMT

I think I respect him more for taking a hike. It's unfortunate that a guy can't even get out of town for a few days without all the nut-cases coming out to attack him. Maybe it's y'all he's getting away from? It would be better for all of them to get out and hike the land they govern once in a while, but I'm sure they would all have to do it secretly so all the crazies don't follow them.

Tony Farley (Beautiful Places In HD)

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Florene, South Carolina — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:52:49 GMT

Where's Waldo Sanford? This gov. has gone from being voted 'worst gov in the country' in his first term to being a 'one hit wonder'in his second. He is not a conservative. He considers himself a 'Libertarian' ...the everybody can sink or swim for themselves attitude. His own state house and senate republicans have been busy overriding all of his vetoes. Fortunately for the United States, South Carolina is not a microcosm of the US.

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Andrea, New York City — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:53:43 GMT

I think the fact that he took a powder around Fathers Day is very telling.

What about those FAMILY VALUES!!

But we know that Mark Sanford is very cheap and stingy.

So as the old folks say: Stingy with money, stingy with love!

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

eagle1776 — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:54:35 GMT

Responsible, caring people tell lovedones, if not staff, where they are going. The irresponsible and selfish just take off. That is not professional behavior either.

I can understand the pressures of a 19th Century thinking governor in the 21st Century and how he might want to get away for a few day but jut to take off is irresponsible at best.

That said, I'm glad he's safe and back at his job.

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Casey, Rockies, Colo. — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:54:36 GMT

Whatever else he is, Sanford certainly qualifies as a drama queen. In fact, this stunt alone (and he does this "all the time"?) puts him right up there with Sarah Palin. I wonder if he stares at the Appalachian stars at night, getting off on the excitement and concern he has left in his wake. What a jerk.

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Mark in Detroit — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:56:34 GMT

To "Little Dems - Little minds". Yes, lefties do
hate conservatives.

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Bad Chihuahua — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:58:14 GMT

Hey, let's all go track Maddow and Olbermanniac when they're off work.

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Steven Boyd, Iowa — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:06:46 GMT

Actually---this is a story as he left the Lt. Gov in a serious situation as well as the citizens of S.C. This could have been considered a serious breach of security. Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA

Well, I guess this would be true, if we needed someone in government to tell us what to do 24/7/365. But most of us don't, and we can handle our lives without someone in government being their to guide us every step of the way.

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Mike, Asheville NC — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:09:42 GMT

Give me a break.... We would all be better off if all of our politicians would take a hike! This is probably the best trend in politics I've ever seen. Obama take note, go take a hike and disappear for a while!

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:15:11 GMT

"All you overheated with hate drooling lefties wanted it to be something nefarious, something you could use to continue your hatred towards conservatives, but the man just took a long weekend"
------------------------------------------------------
Well, Little Dems: He left without establishing a clear chain of command, and didn't check in with his kids on Father's Day. As I asked in another thread, how does the Party of "Personal Responsibility" and "Family Values" spin that?

Now, I would be the first to give Gov. Sanford a pass if he is addressing a personal problem, provided the administration didn't try to sugar-coat it with some "long weekend" nonsense.

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Goal Tender — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:16:15 GMT

Casey, Rockies, Colo.: Whatever else he is, Sanford certainly qualifies as a drama queen.

Can't use that reference. It's already been taken by Barney Frank.

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Fed Up — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:16:53 GMT

Maybe he needed a break from his wife too. Not unheard of...

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Tom, Omaha — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:22:20 GMT

Anyone checking the motels in the area?

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

GOP2010 — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:24:20 GMT

Guess he could have taken an official plane and flown to NY for dinner. But, hey, why stop there? He could loaded up his family and his mother-in-law and had them all meet him in Paris.

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:46:11 GMT

Well, I guess this would be true, if we needed someone in government to tell us what to do 24/7/365. But most of us don't, and we can handle our lives without someone in government being their to guide us every step of the way.

Steven Boyd, Iowa (Sent Tuesday, June 23, 2009 10:06 AM)

Natural/man made disasters come to mind! The Govornor has responsibilities and that can come at any given moment. He chose poorly!!!!!! He has the right for down time, he needs to ensure since being the Govornor that he informs his staff especially the Lt. Gov of his intended actions! He left everyone in a serious situation ---period!

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:51:05 GMT

If he does not like the pressure he should not be the State's leader (Govornor) He has responsibilities to the ciitizens of the state of S.C. If a military leader decided to just say WTF I am leaving for awhile without telling anyone guess what (AWOL) done period, fired! He is the commander of the state's National Guard and he went AWOL!!!!!!!No one knew where he was if they needed him to act he could NOT, his Lt. Govornor could not as well! Citizens of the state were put in a serious situation!!!!!!Period!!!!

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Blaire, South Carolina — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:55:35 GMT

And he wants to run for President in 2012??? Do we the general public need to know Sanford's every move...no. However, when SLED and SC State Officials are concerned about his whereabouts then I believe that the situation is a serious matter. How would everyone feel if our President skipped out for a while and not even secret service knew his location?

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Alan, Pittsburgh, PA — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:58:22 GMT

I really wish he would have taken the rest of the republican party with him on his hike...and gotten permanently lost. None of them are needed as "public servants" anyway.

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Tim Stocken, Highland Lakes, NJ — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:03:30 GMT

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...

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:12:32 GMT

The man is chief executive of the state of South Carolina. He is head of the SC Guard. He is head of any disaster relief efforts. He is head of many other chains of command that might require ultimate executive order. He has duties and responsibilities. Period.

There are clear protocols to be followed when, for any reason (including just wanting to get away from it all), he will be out of communication from the rest of the chains (plural) of command that he heads. It's why the Lt Gov's office exists.

If you want to claim that it's A-OK to go wandering off without first fulfilling protocol (at the very least informing second-in-command for each chain), fine. But you cannot possibly claim that without acknowledging that this is deeply irresponsible behavior.

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Ellen — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:20:03 GMT

If Obama took a break like this the conservative haters on this board would say he is shirking his duty. The way I remember it, George the second had his share of time at the ranch. As for Sanford, I think this whole thing is a publicity stunt to keep him on the radar to make up for the travesty of not wanting to accept stimulus money and being forced to.

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Feldon Starns, Dodge City, Kansas — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:20:25 GMT

Every last one of you need to get a life! This is the sort of thing ya'll (Oh no, he's Southern) live for. What a joke. Left, Right, Bull Moose, you all get me sick! Lord help you if Directv & cable go under. Did you get your box so the ole Zenith can pick up the crud? Losers....

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

KRJ, Otto, NC — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:30:50 GMT

He is the governor folks, not Joe the Plumber. A governor does not have the luxury of just disappearing. His wife thinks he is writing, he makes a call from Atlanta, then he is fishing and hunting with friends and then he is hiking the Appalachian Trail.

My biggest problem with the latest story is why was he in Atlanta? That is the only thing known for sure. Atlanta is 82 miles from the beginning of the Appalachian Trail.

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Garry Murray Atlanta Ga. — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:43:21 GMT

GOP family values

GOP watch: Sanford takes a hike

Tom D, Deep in the Heart of, TX — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:43:40 GMT

If i walked away from my job for 4 days and counting without making arrangements for my absence, I'd be fired. So would just about any CEO or manager. This guy is the Governor of a State. He could have notified his Lt. Governor of his status and transferred power to him for the duration. He might have even told his wife where he was going. Very irresponsible.

For all you apologists, what would you say if Obama just up and decided to leave town for a week without any notification or transfer to the VP? "oh, it's OK, he can go 'clear his head' and it'll be OK" , yeah, right.