South Carolina Republicans Miss Mark

Last night, Mark Sanford won the GOP nomination for the SC1 (South Carolina Congressional District 1), A few years ago, Mark Sanford resigned as governor of South Carolina after disappearing for several days, without telling his staff or security, to "hike on the Appalachian Trail" which was actually a euphemism for "fly to Argentina for sexcapades with his mistress." This high-profile lapse in personal morality and dereliction of his duties to his state led to his resignation. But his resignation and apology speech were unique in that he didn't describe his affair as a "mistake" but instead declared his deep love for the Argentinean woman. His love-letters became public and reflect his deep feelings for her. Here's a video with some excerpts from the letters.

Now, three years, one divorce, (one engagement to said Argentinean soul-mate), and one apology tour later, Sanford is running for Congress. And Republicans in South Carolina, apparently, think he's their guy.

For the record, let me state that I am less bothered by his affair than the other problems Sanford had as Governor. The South Carolina Ethics Commissions charged him with 37 ethics violations for which he paid a settlement/fine of $74,000.00. Among the charges include spending tax-payer dollars in business-class flights, using state aircraft for personal travel, and spending campaign funds on non-campaign expenses. Did I mention he just left the country for days without telling anyone where he was going WHILE HE WAS GOVERNOR?

When Bill Clinton was caught in an affair and an impeachment ensued, I was opposed to Congress's actions. I think personal moral failures that have no impact on governing are just that - personal. While sleazy, I never thought the Clinton-Lewinsky mess warranted tax-payer dollars being spent. I thought it was between Bill and Hilary (and to some extent Monica). As another example, when it came to light that Arnold Schwarzenegger had an illegitimate child with a housekeeper, I was personally offended by his sleaziness. But he did not violate his oath of office or slack off on his obligations as the Governator. To me, there is a difference. I think personal moral failures do not necessarily disqualify a person from public office.

We all are imperfect and make mistakes. I can get past these shortcomings. What I cannot get past? Ignoring the oath to serve constituents and perform the duties of elected office. That is what I - we - voted for, after all. We do not marry the candidate, and the candidate does not swear to "cleave only unto us." However, the elected candidate does swear to faithfully defend the laws and constitutions applicable to the position and to "execute" the duties of the office. So, until this oath is violated, IMO, it's none of my business.

Is it fair to say that Sanford made his affair a public issue by abandoning his job without disclosing his whereabouts? An actual man-hunt was launched, searching for the missing governor of South Carolina all along the Appalachian Trail. All the while, he was doing the Tango in Argentina. Oops. It could be viewed as somewhat romantic that Sanford was so gaga over his new love that he abandoned his elected office. But he didn't just cheat of his wife when he made the Argentinean booty call; he broke his promises to the people of South Carolina.

And on top of that, he was funding his side-action with campaign and tax-payer dollars. That's not romantic. That's sleazy. And again, it's not personal sleaze, but sleazy that hurts the public. So, how did he get elected to be the GOP nominee for SC1?

The republican voters of South Carolina are either the most forgiving people in America, the most forgetful, or the most gullible.

Anyone can make mistakes, even in job performance, but why not elect a candidate who has not already shown an utter disregard for ethical requirements and his oath of office? Get Above Your Raisin', South Carolina Republicans. Stop electing candidates who have already made you a political cuckold. Past behavior is, after all, the best predictor of future behavior. I know there must be Republicans in South Carolina that will take their oaths of office seriously. And if there aren't, just start voting for Democrats. Like this one:

Elizabeth Colbert Busch, Democratic candidate for SC1. No known ties to Argentina or the Appalachian trail