South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford to Face Ethics Panel

The State Ethics Commission, which spent three months investigating Sanford's campaign and travel spending, did not specify what charges Sanford could face, only that there are "several." Commission director Herbert Hayden wouldn't say whether the possible violations were ethical or criminal, The State reported, but he said he expects to release a list of the charges Monday.

"They found probable cause exists on several allegations," Hayden said, reading from a prepared statement. "(The commissioners) wanted me to point out that a finding of probable cause is not a finding of guilt. It is only one phase in the process."

Sanford's attorney, Butch Bowers, said the accusations were "limited to minor, technical matters" and that Sanford would be cleared.

Questions about Sanford's travel arose after he disappeared from the state for five days last summer and eventually admitted he had been in Argentina visiting his mistress.

It's the first time a sitting South Carolina governor has been targeted by an ethics probe.