Gov. Mark Sanford is in no danger of joining the ranks of the unemployed, thanks to a legislative subcommittee’s vote to censure rather than impeach him.
Seems the wages of sin and misuse of state travel funds are getting off light in the God-fearing, Republican stronghold of South Carolina.
The House judiciary subcommittee’s 6 to 1 vote against impeachment all but erases the possibility that Sanford could be forced from office before he finishes his second term in January 2011.
Sanford has been under fire since June, when he returned from a mysterious five-day absence and tearfully admitted an extramarital affair. He was in Argentina visiting his mistress but led his befuddled staff to tell reporters that he had been hiking the Appalachian Trail.
The censure resolution says Sanford was derelict in his duty and brought “ridicule, dishonor, disgrace and shame” to the state.
Sanford joins a growing list of adulterous conservative Republicans who remain in office after their peccadilloes become public knowledge. The roster includes ex-Sen. “Wide Stance” Larry Craig of Idaho, Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana and Sen. John Ensign of Nevada.
It’s hard to believe the party that for more than 30 years — and despite repeated episodes revealing the contrary — sold itself as dedicated to traditional family values and Christian morality. But what really rankles is the memory of how Republicans vilified and impeached President Clinton for his adulterous indiscretion.
Then again, this wouldn’t be the first or worst con job conservative Republicans are guilty of.
The C-Street tentacles are long and can obviously reach all the way from Washington D.C. to the hearts and minds of the South Carolina House sub-committee. I wouldn’t call them God-fearing, God-manipulating would be more appropriate.
I thought you hippies were all for hiking trails, whether they be Appalachian or in your backyard.
Phew. “Ridicule” and “disgrace” and “dishonor” only. It’s nice to know that he’s no threat to traditional marriage.
At least Sanford isn’t a librul like that there Clinton fella.
Holte, God exploiting is probably more like it.
Randal, his excellency was busy with a different kind of nature trail.
Jeff, it’s one of those “do as I say” things. When society’s wealthy, well-connected and Bible-thumping elite wander off the path of righteousness, it’s a bit of unseemly naughtiness. It’s an aberration. When others do it, they’re obviously degenerate examples of unfortunate breeding and faulty upbringing.
Tom, yes, like sex orientation, political orientation makes all the difference, at least in South Carolina.
Gee, I wonder how many of those wackadoos were glued to the tv watching and cheering on when Clinton was impeached for a BJ in the oval office?
Bee, I’d put it somewhere north of 99 percent.