South Carolina's Sanford Charged with 37 Counts of Ethics Violations

2 years ago

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Mary C. Curtis

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Things keep getting worse for South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford. The South Carolina Ethics Commission has charged Sanford with 37 counts of breaking state ethics laws. The report, released Monday, alleges that Sanford violated rules on airplane travel and campaign money.

Reports in The State newspaper and the Associated Press detail the violations, some of which were unearthed in investigations by both news agencies.

The charges allege that "in 18 instances, Sanford authorized, approved or allowed the purchase of business-class airfare so that he could travel to and within the continents of Europe, Asia and South America. Four of the flights cited involved a 2008 state Commerce Department trip to Brazil that Sanford extended to Argentina so that the married, two-term Republican governor could see his Argentine lover," according to The State. State law bars the use of high-priced airfare by state officials.

The charges also allege that in nine instances, Sanford used state aircraft for personal travel, also a violation of state law. One charge says Sanford flew his family from West Virginia to the Georgia coast for a vacation.

The commission also alleges Sanford took a total of $2,940.68 from his campaign account and spent it improperly.

Sanford's lawyers have said the allegations involve minor and technical aspects of the law. A hearing is expected early next year.

Sanford faces tens of thousands of dollars in fines. It's up to the attorney general to decide whether to file criminal charges.

After Sanford's June trip to Argentina, though before the ethics commission report, state officials – including the GOP chairwoman -- called for Sanford to resign.

A South Carolina House panel has scheduled a hearing on Tuesday on a resolution to impeach Sanford, which was introduced by State Rep. Greg Delleney from Chester. The former Democrat switched to the GOP in 2000.

"There is no one in the military, in the private sector, who could do what he did and keep his job," Delleney told HeraldOnline.com of Rock Hill, S.C. Other legislators, including House Speaker Bobby Harrell, disagree, saying there is no basis for impeachment.

Sanford continues to say he will serve out his full term, which ends in January 2011.

Meanwhile, holiday plans for Sanford's family continue. The governor's wife, Jenny Sanford -- who has moved with their four sons to the family's house on the coast, on Sullivan's Island – is expected to attend a Dec. 3 open house at the governor's mansion. The governor's schedule also lists an appearance at the 43rd Annual "Governor's Carolighting" at the statehouse in Columbia.

Filed Under: Governors, Ethics

Tagged: mark sanford, MarkSanford

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