June 23, 2009
Posted: June 23rd, 2009 04:15 PM ET

SULLIVANS ISLAND, South Carolina (CNN) - Gov. Mark Sanford's office may have spoken with him today, according to a spokesman - but his wife Jenny still has not, she told CNN Tuesday afternoon.

"I am being a mom today," she told CNN's David Mattingly. "I have not heard from my husband. I am taking care of my children."

Jenny Sanford told the Associated Press Monday that she did not know where her husband had gone, but was unconcerned, according to The State newspaper. The GOP governor's office said Tuesday they have spoken with him, and that he will be back on the job Wednesday.

Filed under: Mark Sanford


MsJoanne   June 23rd, 2009 5:46 pm ET

Walker says: CNN has to chase anyone who does not go along with the DNC. Ever heard of getting out of the office for a few days – give me in break. Here in the real world we go camping with our kids or buddies and do not talk to anyone for days.

RIGHT! You take your kids and go away. You don't go away, by yourself, on Father's Day, do you? If you do, I would venture to guess that you are divorced and your kids mean next to nothing to you.

Why would you make this comparison when it doesn't hold any water at all?

WhoCares?   June 23rd, 2009 5:36 pm ET

"And the smearing continues by our liberal media."

By reporting the FACTS of the situation with a sitting US Govenor?

Wow...cry more.

WhoCares?   June 23rd, 2009 5:32 pm ET

Ummm....You people think this doesn't affect the populace of SC?

That their was NO CHAIN OF COMMAND in SC?

He is THEIR governor....thus it is THEIR business.

Liberals have Mental Disease   June 23rd, 2009 5:29 pm ET

Sanford isn't going to be raising your taxes, Obama is. Sanford doesn't have 16 CZARS, Obuma does. Sanford isn't in control of major industries, Obuma is.

zago   June 23rd, 2009 5:24 pm ET

Where are the GOP's family values. That guy is beneath the dignity of the gubernatorial office. What an awful way to teach our kids

USA Patriot   June 23rd, 2009 5:23 pm ET

I'd be fired if I disappeared from my job for a week with no notice. My spouse would also throw me out of the house. This guy sounds like a conceited nut job. Will there be consequences?

jenn   June 23rd, 2009 5:21 pm ET

Gov. Sanford is entitled to have private family difficulties without press involvement. He is NOT, however, entitled to walk off the job for days without key members of his administration knowing where he is. His employers–that would be the public–absolutely have the right to know about the situation. Sanford's disappearing act wouldn't fly at any job, but it is especially egregious when he is in charge of an entire state.

Trouble in Paradise for the Sanfords? | DEEP BRAIN DIARY   June 23rd, 2009 5:11 pm ET

[...] or she could care LESS about her husband.  With all this about him being "missing", she STILL hasn't spoken to him... and apparently, doesn't WANT to. "I am being a mom today," she told CNN's [...]

Moderate Democrat   June 23rd, 2009 5:10 pm ET

Boy, them family values sure are at an all time low in the republican party. Oh wait, no they aren't. They've simply been lying about it the whole time. The morons are actually the idiots who bought the ridiculous slogan.

Rob   June 23rd, 2009 5:10 pm ET

Gee, with a headline like this, CNN sounds more like TMZ, or the National Enquirer. Good to know that with the Iranian government killing protestors (and a U.S. president who is looking the other way), an economy that is getting destroyed by a president and his fellow pipe dream Democrats, and plans do destroy healthcare in America, that CNN instead decides to go for the real story.

Careful CNN, the slime's gonna start covering your camera soon.

Jamie from Riverside   June 23rd, 2009 5:02 pm ET

What is up with all the Republican Govenors lately?
Everything Sarah Palin has ever done or said in the last year for beginners and then the lovely gift Arnold Schwartzenaager sent last week, a statue of some bull's balls, now the incredible vanishing SC governor. All that's missing are clown cars and some trapeze artists.

Jane   June 23rd, 2009 4:58 pm ET

And why is this important, iven what's happening in places like Iran????

Cruzan Obama Mama   June 23rd, 2009 4:56 pm ET

And this is the person they said wanted to run for POTUS? How was he going to deal with the pressures that, that job entails if he could barely cope with being the Gov. of SC. This is crazy to me...all of the Repubs that criticize Pres. Obama's every move, but offer no suggestions or other solutions cannot possibly justify this.

This man just disappeared leaving his job, responsibilities and most of all his family behind. Also, what everyone is forgetting is that the weekend he chose to go exploring was FATHER'S DAY weekend!!! Isn't this the party with the best FAMILY VALUES? GIVE ME A BREAK.

Enlightened Voter   June 23rd, 2009 4:55 pm ET

He's a conservative, a republican, what do you expect? They are heartless, cold machines, period. Love it how he's doesn't want to take money to help his state yet fully supported the illegal war in IRaq and deregulation of the banks just like every other rethug did. Now they are trying to blame the man who is actually trying to fix it, President Obama! Hey rethugs, do you guys have consciences??? Just asking...

mag   June 23rd, 2009 4:55 pm ET

This is the new family values as preached by the GOP...

Willy Brown   June 23rd, 2009 4:55 pm ET

And the smearing continues by our liberal media.

Party of NO   June 23rd, 2009 4:54 pm ET

how irresponsible and weak.this guy obviously can't take the pressures of being governor so he just disappears?and he wants to be our president?
shows how truly weak and pathetic conservatives are.

NatTurner   June 23rd, 2009 4:52 pm ET

If this has nothing to do with "the public", I suggest that he remove himself from "public" office. The only hero here is the wife who did not mince words. This man was not elected to go on days long private hikes with God knows who without anyone knowing where he is. So, rethugs, who was running the state when nobody could find this guy?

Barack can't take his wife to dinner or hold hands without you narrow-minded warmongers pooping in your pants. But this guy abandons his children over father's day for a four day hike without telling anyone, and you people say its none of our business?

No wonder only 27% of Americans identify with the Republican party. You peple are pathetic!

You had your window Repubs, and you blew it!   June 23rd, 2009 4:50 pm ET

I understand what your saying Walker, but did you go on "a getaway" this Father's Day weekend without your family and without speaking to your family the whole weekend?

If he is trying to escape from his problems then this just displays that his problems include his family.

Wolves 4 Palin Charlotte, NC   June 23rd, 2009 4:50 pm ET

Being the fiscal responsible GOP person that I am; I want to know if the stimulus package or the state of S.C. is paying for his jaunt.
I am also concerned that he and Palin are somewhere killing the new moose that have been introduced to the mountains of North Carolina.

johnnie   June 23rd, 2009 4:49 pm ET

who cares, cnn, cnn is misssing just as well, with the likes of bill racist bennett, and david gargle gergen, you getting as bad as foxs news, who gives a damm about sanford, you are becomimg like your sister fox limpbach news and hannitys counsin. the american people could care less about this clown of the stimulus, cnn at one moment during the 2008 election ,you looked credible, but now wolf bliztzer is dragging, you need some lessons from msnbc, the obama network, yea ,its about time the democrats ,had their own network,sanford come on, lou dobbs needs to be permantly missing off the airwaves today period. am so sick of the lies your phony network tells about ,the president of the united states of america barack obama. cnn is a loser.

Sniffit   June 23rd, 2009 4:48 pm ET

tabloid politics...thank you advertising industry

Chris   June 23rd, 2009 4:48 pm ET

It was my understanding that he let certain office/security personnel know where he was. With Mrs. Sanford saying she had no idea as to his whereabouts, that pretty much leaves no question as to why he had to get away for a bit.

Melissa   June 23rd, 2009 4:46 pm ET

It has to do with the public when a PUBLIC FEDERAL Governor disappears with no explanation for five days. Deal with it.

Mary   June 23rd, 2009 4:46 pm ET

Open your eyes for those trying to protect this guy. He is a slime bag!!!His wife said that she didn't know where he was, but was not concerned. Then even after it is in the news, he contacts his office to tell them he will be in on Wednesday. But still hasn't spoken to his wife??? I cannot see any self respecting woman trying to defend this guys actions. He was cheating!!! It will get out who he was with soon enough. In the meantime, he just killed any dreams of running for any other elected office. All his opponent would have to do is show an empty office with the caption "Where's Sanford? Gone hiking" end of story.

True story   June 23rd, 2009 4:45 pm ET

Carole, add this to your comment: While Hurricane Katrina was menacing New Orleans, Bush was on his Texas ranch hosting a birthday party for McCain. Now, Pres. Obama takes the wife out for a little diversion in New York (pumping a bit of much needed cash into the Broadway business) and the haters still cannot live this down.

CAl   June 23rd, 2009 4:45 pm ET

@ THE REAL SLIM SHADY COMMENTS

"It's odd that this is recieveing so much press"

sound like you want us to stop picking on that idiot govenor of SC. Well slim shady this, moron takes a car paid for by the people of his state and for all we know is living in a luxury cabin or hotel all on the state and people like you have the nerve to talk about the President!!! Now you want us to just let this fade into the background. That's the problem with people like you, you can dish it out but you can't take it

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA   June 23rd, 2009 4:44 pm ET

Sanford's own Lt. Governor didn't know where Sanford was. Something is terribly wrong with that picture.

James M. Holmes   June 23rd, 2009 4:44 pm ET

Kiss 2012 goodbye nutball! Not that you ever had a real chance anyway...

There is alot more to this story and it will come out!

If it is a personal matter between him and his wife, that is fine, but he also has a job... try to leave your job for a week with no explaination and see what happens! The un-elite like us would all have been fired. End of story... this story though is just beginnning!

But leaving your wife behind with teh kids, on father's day no less... well that is just low!

I can't wait until another "holier than thou" Republican decides to preach to us about family values again! Can't WAIT!

Pat F   June 23rd, 2009 4:43 pm ET

@Sniffit – I agree with you. Yeah, I know, it scares me, too.

Jim in San Mateo   June 23rd, 2009 4:40 pm ET

He can kiss any sort of presidential or senatorial aspirations goodbye, and if he keeps it up, maybe his wife too.

What an idiot. Being a governor isn't a job, it is a LIFE. There are rules and responsibilities that you accept 24 hours a day, seven days a week, not just 8 to 6, Monday through Friday.

If you can't stand the heat, go off into the woods and let someone who can, take over.

Jon   June 23rd, 2009 4:39 pm ET

If it looks like and quack like a duck then it's definite a secret love affair that's about to be expose soon or maybe he is just plain "Quacky".

Tesap;Savannah GA   June 23rd, 2009 4:38 pm ET

I hope no one believes this...she knew where he was the whole time.

Island girl   June 23rd, 2009 4:37 pm ET

Seems like the man has pressure coming from all sides. For the sake of South Carolina, he should pass the torch to somebody else. It would not surprise me if soon after this he checks into some kind of care giving facility.

Walker   June 23rd, 2009 4:36 pm ET

CNN has to chase anyone who does not go along with the DNC. Ever heard of getting out of the office for a few days – give me in break. Here in the real world we go camping with our kids or buddies and do not talk to anyone for days.

Pete   June 23rd, 2009 4:36 pm ET

Obviously some marital tension here but with the responsibilities of office you would think he would be a little less cavalier in his actions.

Vigla   June 23rd, 2009 4:34 pm ET

Sounds like the esteemed Governor of SC needed a break from his wife. When you're Gov of a State, you don't just "disappear" for a while... That's just plain irresponsible.

Carole   June 23rd, 2009 4:34 pm ET

Okay....I don't like being in anyone's private life. Makes most of us uncomfortable. But, YOU are the Governor of your state and are known to use a vehicle paid for by the taxpayers to disappear? Then, the Rethugs have a problem with the President taking his wife to a dinner/show? Meanwhile, Bush was the vacation President.

I want to see the Republican spin on this.....pass the popcorn puh leez. LOL

**I want two parties. Two parties with brains.

DJ   June 23rd, 2009 4:34 pm ET

Sanford is a chump. Wow who cares about the Gov job...people are really starting to feel sorry for his poor wife and kids now.

arc, Lugano CH   June 23rd, 2009 4:34 pm ET

Disappearing on your wife to go hiking is not a Republican values or a liberal Democrat thing; and ducking an all-clad when you finally come home is not party specific either... :)

The Real Slim Shady   June 23rd, 2009 4:33 pm ET

It seems a bit odd that this is recieving so much press. And now that the the never-had-been-missing-Sanford has been found, end of story. What is occurring between him and his wife is a private matter.

Republicans are the American Taliban   June 23rd, 2009 4:33 pm ET

He was at the airport...recruiting some new Republicans in the restroom...

Steph   June 23rd, 2009 4:33 pm ET

I feel sorry for her. Leave her alone. I don't like Gov. Sanford, but his wife and all other family members of politicians should be left alone unless they sign up for the talk show circuit.

Tim   June 23rd, 2009 4:32 pm ET

Where was he? I am a tax payer and when he gone on my dime, I deserve to know that he is gone and he has left the appropriate people informed and in charge. This is a big issue becasue we now have learned that he has been known to dissapear on occasion? What a bunch of crap. He's screwing around!!! Have the guts to admit it governor!!!

Shari, NY   June 23rd, 2009 4:32 pm ET

Kudos to Mrs. Sanford and all dedicated responsible MOTHERS for taking care of theirr children! Many feel like disappearing when the going gets tough but somehow their love, endurance and instincts prevent them from doing so.

Kathy   June 23rd, 2009 4:31 pm ET

Face it, this is more than a little strange. How many of you out there would be okay with your spouse disappearing for 5 days and you didn't know where they were? Especially over Father's Day? Maybe it is a personal problem between he and his wife, but I haven't heard any evidence for that explanation. He is the governor of SC, if he is gone he needs to leave someone in charge. Poor leadership skills apparently.

arc, Lugano CH   June 23rd, 2009 4:29 pm ET

Sanford would do right by letting his wife cool down.

when he does make it home, he would also do right by bringing her some kind of souvenir or a gift.

JPC   June 23rd, 2009 4:28 pm ET

MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!!!!!

This has nothing to do with the public.

Melissa   June 23rd, 2009 4:27 pm ET

Ok, this guy is a nutbag. Nobody goes this long without talking to their wife. I feel bad for her. So much for your vaunted morality Republicans. Your leadership is just digging the hole deeper for you every day.

Sniffit   June 23rd, 2009 4:26 pm ET

Yikes. Sounds like a PERSONAL issue they need to resolve BY THEMSELVES. One would think everyone, regardless of party affiliation, would recognize that this crap needs to be taken off the table...it harms the credibility of our political process that we spend so much time delving into their private lives and pretending they were supposed to behave in a manner somehow above human.

didi   June 23rd, 2009 4:24 pm ET

I am more worried about our stimulus money than whereabouts of this dude....

WI Cheesehead   June 23rd, 2009 4:23 pm ET

When the yarn runs out, Gov Sanford's keepers will stop spinning and the truth will come out

Tim   June 23rd, 2009 4:18 pm ET

In stead of where’s Waldo, where’s S.C Governor Mark Sanford? He should be fired or he should resign!!! If you say that’s harsh, try leaving your job for a few days without telling your employer. Bet you he or she won’t say “hey, no big deal, you just needed a few days off”!!!

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA   June 23rd, 2009 4:16 pm ET

This guy is loco. Cancel 2012 goodbye. Not like you had chance in the first place.

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