Mark Sanford Tries to Block Release of Ethics Report
David Sessions
Washington Reporter
Posted:
10/1/09
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, who has been fighting calls for his resignation ever since his affair with an Argentine woman earlier this year, has asked the state's Supreme Court to block release of the results of a state ethics investigation, according to The State newspaper. Sanford believes the ethics investigation, if released to lawmakers, could arm his opponents and intensify the electorate's opposition to him remaining as governor.
"Sanford argues that only prosecutorial bodies can gain access to the State Ethics Commission's preliminary report, which is akin to an indictment and does not contain the governor's full defense," the paper reports.
The House ethics committee says it has the right to the panel's findings should it decide to start impeachment procedures against Sanford. The ethics commission was asked to review Sanford's use of state and private planes and purchase of business-class airfare on commercial flights.
Governor: Don't Release Ethics Report [The State]
"Sanford argues that only prosecutorial bodies can gain access to the State Ethics Commission's preliminary report, which is akin to an indictment and does not contain the governor's full defense," the paper reports.
The House ethics committee says it has the right to the panel's findings should it decide to start impeachment procedures against Sanford. The ethics commission was asked to review Sanford's use of state and private planes and purchase of business-class airfare on commercial flights.
Governor: Don't Release Ethics Report [The State]