Jenny Sanford Tells All, but Have We Heard Enough?

You may have heard that Jenny Sanford, the wife of South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, is writing a book. A deal from Ballantine Books (a Random House imprint) to publish your "inspirational memoir" isn't quite the same as having a trouble-free marriage. But it's a consolation prize of sorts, especially since the governor's deal for his own book on fiscal conservatism fell apart.

Her timing is fortuitous, as the announcement came in the same week a fictional version of the implosion of a political marriage debuted on CBS. In "The Good Wife," Julianna Margulies and Chris Noth play a particularly photogenic ripped-from-the headlines politician and betrayed wife. Forced to earn a living, she returns to lawyering and solving complicated courtroom puzzles.

A book is a lot less complicated, though the Sanford story – with its international flavor and weepy press conferences – is more dramatic than anything a scriptwriter could dream up. The publisher says Sanford "will grapple with the universal issue of maintaining integrity and a sense of self during life's difficult times."

"She wrote the proposal herself and it's very good," said Carol Schneider at Random House. "She will probably be working with a collaborator on the entire book -- more of a time issue than anything else because we want to get it out." The book is due out in May 2010.

Everyone pretty much knows the rough outline of the real-life story. Smart, Georgetown-educated, Wall Street VP marries and shapes the career of an up-and-coming GOP politician, touted as a presidential hopeful. Then he disappears for five days, and – when backed into a corner – confesses to an affair with an Argentine soul mate. Wife and governor try to work it out, they say, though she and the four sons move out. Now he fights appeals from his own state party to resign and waits for the results of an ethics investigation looking into travel expenses.

Jenny Sanford's choice is a valid one, of course. It's become the go-to move for wronged spouses, and a well-written book will prove once again that she's the Sandford with some sense. She apparently has always been a take-charge person. What I'm trying to figure out is the inspiration part. In a statement from the publisher, she writes: "Since June, I've been urged to tell the story of who I am, what I believe, and how I came to solidify those beliefs in my life, specifically through my marriage and the political life that has paralleled it. I would like to show others how important it is to stand firm on one's principles, stay true to oneself, and respond with grace and honesty to whatever hurdles may come."

Unless you're a high-profile political wife whose husband has "issues," I'm not sure what the attraction will be. Jenny Sanford earned respect when she refused to stand by her man during his brutal public mea culpa or provide him with cover during his absence from state business.

But by May of next year, the public may be a little tired of both Sanfords, especially if another scandal grabs the headlines and "The Good Wife" is picked up for a new season. Well, cynically speaking, a little fresh blood -- or an Emmy -- could help book sales.