June 24, 2009
Posted: June 24th, 2009 04:32 PM ET

From
Barbour will head the RGA.
Barbour will head the RGA.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour has assumed the chairmanship of the Republican Governors Association, CNN has learned.

Barbour immediately takes over as head of the national Republican campaign organization following South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford’s announcement he was leaving the post. Sanford acknowledged Wednesday that he had an extramarital affair with a woman in Argentina.

“The news revealed today hurts all of us who have gotten to know Governor Sanford over the years and so it is with regret that the RGA accepted Governor Sanford’s resignation as chairman,” Barbour said in a statement obtained by CNN that will be distributed Wednesday afternoon. “While this news is deeply disappointing, I also know it’s important to remain focused on the future and Governor Sanford’s resignation allows him and us to do just that.

Barbour added: “The RGA has an important task over the next two years. I am committed to seeing it through and confident we will succeed.”

Nick Ayers, the RGA’s executive director, expressed disappointment about Sanford’s revelation.

“While I am personally disappointed in today’s revelation, I also know that it’s important for both Governor Sanford and the RGA to move forward as quickly as possible,” Ayers said in the forthcoming statement. “Therefore we accepted his resignation this afternoon.

“However, the RGA is fortunate that Governor Haley Barbour was in line to become RGA Chairman, a position he assumed today. As a former RNC chairman and one of the best governors in the country, no one is better positioned to takeover as RGA chairman than Governor Barbour.”

Filed under: Haley Barbour


samuel   June 24th, 2009 5:38 pm ET

I follow Barbour to the end of the earth before I'd follow our muslim in chief.

Preco   June 24th, 2009 5:36 pm ET

What is the difference? on hypocrite from another?

Biff   June 24th, 2009 5:36 pm ET

Ann,

Haley was a great leader during and after Katrina.

The coastal areas that were actual hit by Katrina (and not just a levy break as in New Orleans) are light years ahead in rebuilding.

Nissan has a manufacturing plant in MS and Toyota is building one where the prius hybrid is to be produced.

Desoto county in north MS is one of the fastest growing counties in the country.

MS has great wildlife refuges, hunting and fishing (I know Haley didn't make these, but policies in MS have helped preserve them).

Philadelphia, MS, the sight of the horrible racial killing presented in the movie Mississippi Burning, just elected their first black mayor.

I know that MS is last (or first) on a lot of lists, like obesity, education, poverty etc but we are dragged down mainly by the MS delta which is purely agricultural so there are not many jobs. Its hard to keep up your education and poverty stats when 18 year olds have 3 kids and no father but I don't blame Haley for that. I blame the kids parent(s).

If you think being an agricultural economy is bad, give up your clothes (cotton), tofu (soybeans), ethonol (corn) and other food products for a while and get back to me. I'm sure you can make due with your blackberry and Ipod and people magazine.

Point is, a lot of people like Haley as well as Mississippi. We get a lot a grief but I love it here and wouldn't trade my life for anything.

Janice in Mississippi   June 24th, 2009 5:36 pm ET

"Jed June 24th, 2009 4:49 pm ET

I am from Mississippi and Governor Barbour has done so much for this state. Remind you he handled Hurricane Katrina better than anyone. He has helped bring business and jobs to the state. He has brought better publicity to the state than ever before. And, don't forget, he played a significant role in bringing the Presidential debate to the University of Mississippi"

@ jed,

Barbour needs to account for 30 million dollars. We are waiting.

Jasmine in Germany   June 24th, 2009 5:35 pm ET

Oh great. An uneducated (no college degree) lobbyist governor whose firm made millions in D.C. lobbying on behalf of the tobacco industry. More of the same – the GOP thinks this is a good idea?

Susan   June 24th, 2009 5:32 pm ET

Is it just me or is the GOP completely run by Southerners....hmmm.

John H.   June 24th, 2009 5:28 pm ET

Dixiecans. They're everywhere. Barbour is yet another southern good old boy buffoon replacing Mr. Family Values.

25 year old, democrat and Obama supporter   June 24th, 2009 5:25 pm ET

IndyVoter June 24th, 2009 4:33 pm ET

My Fellow Democrats:

PLEASE don't start attacking Gov. Sanders during this time. Kicking someone while they are down is neither noble nor brave. Even though some Republicans have proven that they are not, WE are better than that….Also, don't start knocking the concept of family values. Its not just a Republican issue. This country needs strong families and we ALL need to encourage faithfulness and honesty in our marriages, jobs, political and economic dealings, etc.

I'm just saying.

- An Ardent Obama Supporter
--------------------------–

IndyVoter, YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!!!!!!!!!

Al   June 24th, 2009 5:22 pm ET

It's not the affair that bothers me. It is the fact that he didn't tell anyone where he was going and how long he would be gone. He is the head of an entire state! His family values are definitely depleted but his work ethic is bankrupt. I think he has another letter of resignation to write.

Priscilla California   June 24th, 2009 5:17 pm ET

Mr. Pure as the driven snow Gov. should resign.If he betrayed his family what will he do for the people of SC. Oh, that's right he will leave the country and not tell anyone. I wonder if his mistress has a child for him. He has known her for eight years and she has two children. Makes one wonder. He should also review his condemning of Pres. Clinton. Looks like he has taken that same road. The Repubs, the party of family morals,what a joke.

B.H.   June 24th, 2009 5:17 pm ET

Yet another southern old white good ol boy.

Icons for the GOP..

Janice in Mississippi   June 24th, 2009 5:14 pm ET

Let's see; one rattlesnake just got its tail chopped off, so they send in one of the copperheads.

Interesting.

One By One   June 24th, 2009 5:12 pm ET

Haley Barbour ...Well he won't cheat on his ...cuz nobody wants him
(BOSS HOG)

NVa Native   June 24th, 2009 5:02 pm ET

Another hillbilly bafoon with rocks in his mouth, now we'll hear his garbling of the english language even more than before.
It looks like the real threat to "marriage" is the Republican party. You could say the Republicans are our country's greatest threat to common sense morality ~ claiming the moral high ground with "family values" when all the while they are crawling in the goo ~ Craig, Foley, Abermoff, Delay, Cunningham, Ensign, Ollie North, Allen, Schrock, Swaggart, etc., etc.,
Is he really related to Rush?

Dean   June 24th, 2009 4:59 pm ET

From bad to worse.

Gene   June 24th, 2009 4:58 pm ET

I love how libs assume all repubs are hypocritcs because of "family values" yet there fellow libs get off scott free in their minds...

pugdog   June 24th, 2009 4:54 pm ET

'Just a good ol boy...never meaning no harm'

John   June 24th, 2009 4:53 pm ET

The only difference I see with this one, as opposed to other "affairs" is that he abandoned his job, basically. I know if I left my job unnanounced for 5 days, the job wouldn't be there waiting for me when I returned.

Jen   June 24th, 2009 4:51 pm ET

Oh. Another hypocrite Republican. Look at how shocked I am. Look! =I

Jed   June 24th, 2009 4:49 pm ET

I am from Mississippi and Governor Barbour has done so much for this state. Remind you he handled Hurricane Katrina better than anyone. He has helped bring business and jobs to the state. He has brought better publicity to the state than ever before. And, don't forget, he played a significant role in bringing the Presidential debate to the University of Mississippi

Victory   June 24th, 2009 4:49 pm ET

Boy, that was a kick in the teeth to his wife and kids by running off to his girlfriends on Fathers day weekend. How many old white guys do they have in that GOP!!

Ann   June 24th, 2009 4:42 pm ET

Why don't you ask to people of Mississippi what this republican governor has done for us............easy answer.....NOTHING!

J Wills   June 24th, 2009 4:39 pm ET

big papa June 24th, 2009 3:22 pm ET

…confederacy gone wild!

--------------------–

LOL!! Hysterical !!

Steve A. , New Braunfels , Texas   June 24th, 2009 4:37 pm ET

Barbour? Mississippi? The largest employer in the state is the Federal Goverment. Fact. This may not be a good choice but it could be that he is the only person that would take the job.

Jed   June 24th, 2009 4:36 pm ET

Look at Barbour's past and look at what all he has done for the state of Mississippi and for the country for that matter before you smash him purely based on the fact that he leads Mississippi.

rick   June 24th, 2009 4:35 pm ET

If you made this stuff up, nobody would believe it.

Bill or Vin from Philly   June 24th, 2009 4:35 pm ET

another Republican hypocrite takes over, I just love it, see how long he last??

John   June 24th, 2009 4:34 pm ET

The things that bothers me, is that all these guys "were for the defense of marriage act"...and ultimately the one that their marriage needed defense from was themselves. What a bunch of hypocrites!!

Paulie   June 24th, 2009 4:34 pm ET

Why does the GoP even bother anymore? They preach family values yada yada....but end up making the liberals, whom they bash for their values, look like the saints of the planet. Please America, let's end this ridiculous 2 party system and elect people rather than ideologies!

The religious right has proved time and again no one can live up to the standards they claim to live by.

IndyVoter   June 24th, 2009 4:33 pm ET

My Fellow Democrats:

PLEASE don't start attacking Gov. Sanders during this time. Kicking someone while they are down is neither noble nor brave. Even though some Republicans have proven that they are not, WE are better than that....Also, don't start knocking the concept of family values. Its not just a Republican issue. This country needs strong families and we ALL need to encourage faithfulness and honesty in our marriages, jobs, political and economic dealings, etc.

I'm just saying.

- An Ardent Obama Supporter

lf   June 24th, 2009 4:33 pm ET

Tough job ahead, Governor Barbour, With your energy and dedication you may appear similar to 'Haley's comet' for quick and lightning speed with your new responsibilities to lead the GOP into new realms of great splendor.

Best wishes!!

bettie   June 24th, 2009 4:32 pm ET

Barbour probably is having an affair, too. Next?

Kay   June 24th, 2009 4:32 pm ET

He left his post as Governor for 5 days to visit his mistress in Argentina and told noone, not even his staff. If I left my job for 5 days and did not tell my boss I would be fired. This man is a digrace to South Carolina and needs to resign. So much for family values.

Chris D.   June 24th, 2009 4:30 pm ET

Sheesh I really feel for the Sanford family......

independent   June 24th, 2009 4:28 pm ET

Ken in NC
"We all know this as he is a devoted conservative Republican and we all know that Republicans are the party of Family Values."

Devoted to what, and which family was that?

Admittedly, it happens to both parties. However, one party pontificates more than another, and that same party tries to tell everyone else how to live. If they would keep the government out of the bedroom, fewer would be interested in what is going on in their bedrooms.

lynnrockets   June 24th, 2009 4:27 pm ET

Suspicions confirmed. Mark Sanford was traveling with his mistress. We can now update our list of Republican “Family Values” adulterers.

Ronald Reagan, Newt Gingrich, John McCain, David Vitter, Mark Foley, Larry Craig, Rudolph Giuliani, Ted Haggard, Bob Allen, Glenn Murphy, Jr., John Ensign, Sarah Palin (maybe) and Mark Sanford.

Eileen   June 24th, 2009 4:25 pm ET

Just what the republican party needs another good old boy boss hog at the helm – they just don't get it. Do republicans look at polling at all? Only 8% of non whites give them a favorable rating. Barbour won't help that effort.

Well, all this will make logistics for their next convention much easier – they'll be able to hold it in a Dennys parking lot.

D in Montana   June 24th, 2009 4:23 pm ET

Why is everyone so shocked? Just more of the same from our "leaders" from both parties! I'm amazed that the common thought process of all these idiots is, "I'm so sorry and ask for your forgiveness" after the fact. They really think they can get away with this shameful behavior.....???!!! until they get caught! WOW!

kay   June 24th, 2009 4:21 pm ET

Nothing like family values I say, especially when one doesn't live by them oneself.

Haley Barbour is a really ugly mean guy, he'll take the party down even further than it is. Watch him talk next time you see him on television, ugly mouth.....

RLE   June 24th, 2009 4:21 pm ET

Ken you are joking right, party of family values??????

Deb in Colo   June 24th, 2009 4:19 pm ET

As long as it's not Palin...

Chuck   June 24th, 2009 4:19 pm ET

I don't want to her any more about Bill Clinton not being able to keep his business in his pants.

We now have John Ensign, Mark Sanford both senatrors and Governor Jim Gibbons of Nevada all Republicans allegedly being unfaithful.

MorningStar   June 24th, 2009 4:18 pm ET

It is hard to be republican these days.
Don't cry for me Argentina.

geecee   June 24th, 2009 4:18 pm ET

Wow, two in one week. Way to go Rethugs!!

Lorna, PA   June 24th, 2009 4:18 pm ET

OK Governor Sandford...what you did was wrong and bad and mean to your family in all kinds of ways. Did you have to add insult to injury by saying "....I spent 5 days in Argentina crying..." PLEASE!!!!! You sure did spend the time there but I highly doubt it involved much crying. Hypocrite...thy name is Republican.

Paul Ernest Show   June 24th, 2009 4:16 pm ET

As much of a democrat, as I am, I do not think nor wish to find joy in the fall of Sanford and the take over by Haley Barbour. Hope it all works out well with both men.

Craig- Easton, PA   June 24th, 2009 4:16 pm ET

Another holier-than-thou family values hypocrite bites the dust. John Ensin and Mark Sanford in one week is almost too weird to believe and would be comical if it wasn't so disgusting. His asking for OUR forgiveness shows he still doesn't really get it and his priorities are on his political career instead of his family. What is with these people?

Fed Up in Ohio   June 24th, 2009 4:12 pm ET

To Ken in NC:

"We must remember that he is a good man. We all know this as he is a devoted conservative Republican and we all know that Republicans are the party of Family Values."

Really? Is this the Republican party's standard for a good man? No wonder the party is in shambles. And is this the standard of "family values": a secretive trip out of the country to boff your mistress over Father's Day weekend while not telling anyone, including your family (4 sons and a wife – he is still married I believe) and staffers, where you are going? If that is the case, I'm sure you have never uttered a word of criticism for Clinton's indiscretions... Puhlease.... Give us all a break!

RLE   June 24th, 2009 4:12 pm ET

John in SD,
I don't think the dems have forgotten Spitzer and the likes, the difference is the repubs claim to be Christians. I am a Christian and a democrat and the behavior of these individuals are so un Christ like. First of all Christ is inclusive...For whosoever.... The republicans remind me of the Pharisee most of whom Jesus admonished and/or condemned for their behavior ( read the bible)

LacrosseMom   June 24th, 2009 4:12 pm ET

Wow...... that was fast! No sooner had Sanford confessed than the GOP had Haley ready.

The GOPers crucifying Edwards need to learn a lesson! ALL of us live in glass houses, even the holier-than-thou-Republicans!

Giulliani
Newt
Ensign
Larry Craig
Sanford, etc, etc.

WhoCares?   June 24th, 2009 4:11 pm ET

First Question to applicants :

"Have you hidden your affairs so they won't get out?"

Alex in Wisconsin   June 24th, 2009 4:08 pm ET

Another one bites the dust. Thank goodness for that good old GOP moral superiority.

And the worse thing is by his own words, this was revealed 5 months ago and HE WENT BACK TO ARGENTINA TO CONTINUE THE AFFAIR. Forget his job, forget his family, for get the people of South Carolina...

But its good that the Republicans are airing out the dirty laundry now so that they can have a viable candidate in 2016.

Larry from Apex, NC   June 24th, 2009 4:07 pm ET

HALEY BARBOUR FROM MISSISSIPPI?!? Is this a joke?! Is this the best the RePIGlicans can do?! Seriously, the RePIGS are farther down the hole than I thought. South Carolina is a (politically) backwards state, but NO state is more (politically) clueless that Mississippi! The Dems should declare a holiday after this fiasco....

Bill Sampson   June 24th, 2009 4:07 pm ET

Yippee, another big, fat, red faced, angry, white guy who runs a desperately poor (last of 50!) southern state as the face of the Republican Party. Good going guys.

DM in DC   June 24th, 2009 4:06 pm ET

Impeach him...there are no family values in this party anymore. Its always something and there are way too many affair. The GOP are now the party of shameless affairs, broken homes, and hypocrisy . I am very disappointed.

Pat-Indianapolis   June 24th, 2009 4:05 pm ET

Barbour probably won't even run in 2012. Even if he did he'd have no chance at winning anyway, but he is a pretty good governor and hopefully for the sake of the GOP he can help get them back on track

Laura, Boston MA   June 24th, 2009 4:04 pm ET

Gov Barbour isn't my Gov but I do remember post-Katrina and how he made sure the people of Miss. got what they needed. He had a quality that is sorely lacking in both political parties today...leadership!

I am an independant and I don't like what the Obama administration has done thus far on a number of issues even though I whole heartedly supported him (well after Hillary).

If Gov Barbour can find some worthwhile candidates with the same leadership qualities that he has than I may vote Republican in 2010. I really don't like the House under Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid is a do nothing leader.

Jed   June 24th, 2009 4:03 pm ET

Truly shocking news coming out of Sanford. I wish his family the best in the future as they deal with this. Inexcusable on his part...and this is coming from a conservative. It feels like my party is unraveling as more and more politicians from the GOP are coming out with affairs.

On the other hand, at least we have Governor Barbour stepping into the spotlight as Chairman now. Hopefully he can lead the GOP governors back into good light with the public. Governor Barbour is a truly capable man to not only lead not only the Republican Governors or the entire GOP base as he did in his former role.....but hopefully the country in 2012.

Tom Eyemdaman   June 24th, 2009 4:01 pm ET

You know the old saying: Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Most politicians are probably decent people when they first get elected to office – intent on making a difference, changing how things work, etc.

Then, over the years, their attitudes change as they wield power and discover that they can bend some of the rules. The former mayor of Chicago is a poster-quality example.

MAL   June 24th, 2009 4:01 pm ET

"We must remember that he is a good man. We all know this as he is a devoted conservative Republican and we all know that Republicans are the party of Family Values."

I am sure the same would be said by Republicans of a Democrat that had the same issue.

Realistic2   June 24th, 2009 4:01 pm ET

Wow another politician bites the dust. Sanford, Esign, Newt, Edwards and the list grows. Amazing how politicians do not learn from mistakes of the past. See people no one party has the corner on "Family values" because in politics, as we have learned, family values is just another political soap box in the political arena.
I wonder how much spin will be applied because Sanford was the face of the up and coming republican party. The new face, the new conservative....Remember the republicans wanted to purge all moderates from their party like C.Powell and be the true conservative party, is this who you want in your party instead of a honorable man like Powell? I guess you will be in the wilderness for a long time.

I feel bad for his family and only for his family.

Waiting for a Miracle   June 24th, 2009 3:59 pm ET

Maybe the Republican Party should leave religion out of their platform if they are to ever stand a chance of having any credibility in the future. While I think this guy is a scum bag for spending Father's Day with his mistress instead of with his 4 sons, ordinarily I would say a person's private life, even while lacking a certain measure of morality, should remain private if they a doing a decent job, but it's hard not to judge any party that pretends to stand for family values and morality and have one disgraced member after another with their dirty laundry aired to the country. PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH!!!

Billy J in Texas   June 24th, 2009 3:59 pm ET

WOW... the Republican party really does seem to have reached their expiration date. That milk is REALLY gettin' sour.

DawnL,CA   June 24th, 2009 3:56 pm ET

"Barbour to head RGA" HAHAHAHA
Mississippi has the lowest per cap income of ANY state. Miss. students scored the lowest of ANY state on the Nat'l Assessment of Education Progress in both math & science. The 2nd. highest state receiving federal aid.
I'm certain you will do a great job,Barbour. Sorry i can't stop laughing.

david, CA   June 24th, 2009 3:56 pm ET

let's hope Haley's "sanctity of marriage" claims prove more honest than his predecessor's.

cjgaete   June 24th, 2009 3:56 pm ET

I'm sorry...did the article mention he was "trying to work throught this" with his wife? How is spending 5 days in Argentina with the other woman "working through it" ?! I really need to get my hands on the Republican dictionary.

phyllis   June 24th, 2009 3:55 pm ET

H. Barbour is just as bad as the one he is replaceing, maybe worse he is a big pig, he has some skeltons in his closet also, we the people of Mississippi, and I am one of those people, I did not vote for this big bag of wind, and never would. He is so dirty ajax wouldn't clean him up. If Barbour runs for President, and wins heaven for bid, I will have to leave this great country of ours. I can't wait for his terms as napoleon to be over. That is who he thinks he is . thank you

annie s   June 24th, 2009 3:54 pm ET

Ah yes, head of the RGA – Governor of the poorest state in the country and a lobbyist to boot. Good choice Republicans!

gb   June 24th, 2009 3:54 pm ET

You couldn't make a soap opera any better than this!

Tom Eyemdaman   June 24th, 2009 3:54 pm ET

I notice a lot of people listing off the Republicans with sex scandals while conveniently forgetting the democrats in the same situation.

No political party is immune to extramarrital affairs. To pretend your party is above the fray is ludicrous. The fact is that scandals and affairs are not functions of a particular political party but of individuals.

The childish finger-pointing serves no purpose in our governement. Every politician lives in a glass house. All we can hope is to have a ready supply of Windex.

Greg, San Francisco, CA   June 24th, 2009 3:53 pm ET

Great, and soon Barbour will resign when questions arise as to where all the money for the Katrina recovery has been spent.

Al Sita   June 24th, 2009 3:52 pm ET

Conservative values! Will not take federal money because he is a fiscal conservative ... in the same way he is a social conservative ... ha ha ...

SC, can you ask this guy to take a hike next time around.

Brandon in NC   June 24th, 2009 3:52 pm ET

He left the country and he had an extramarital affair with a woman in Argentina. He should have kept his damn mouth shut and left his office in peace and moved on. The GOP is worst than pro sports when it comes to cheating!!

Lowell   June 24th, 2009 3:51 pm ET

I had no idea when the Republican party imploded it would do so in such an ironic fashion. It's karma. Goodness knows they can dish it out but can't take it, plus they seem to have forgotten that old adage about glass houses and throwing stones.

Karma pays attention to those pesky little details before it comes back to bite folks in the rear.

Mr T.   June 24th, 2009 3:51 pm ET

Forget the marriage part...(his wife will deal with that) What about the man leaving his post and lying about it. No one knowing where he was for 5 days, what if we were attacked again. By god he left his post...Bust him down SgtMaj

GB in Kansas   June 24th, 2009 3:50 pm ET

Ya gotta love the party of good ol' "Christian values."

As for this year being a tough year for Gov. Sanford, suck it up, Mark. We all have bad days. Taking solace in the bosom of a woman other than your wife may be cool in some parts, but it's only an excuse, and pretty lousy one at that.

As my ol' pappy used to say (politically incorrect though he was), "The measure of a man ain't what happens to him but how he deals with it."

Andi   June 24th, 2009 3:50 pm ET

Well, that explains Haley's actions of the past week (campaigning, but saying he's not going to run for Pres.). So, my guess is that a lot of folks actually knew where 'the gov' was and what was going on. Ok, can we just write Sanford off as a nut job and move on? Why all the cloak-and-dagger stuff? They're like little boys playing 'pretend'.

Middle man   June 24th, 2009 3:50 pm ET

Let's forget Sanford for a minute and turn our attention to the senorita in question. I think it takes two to tango. She should have told him "hasta la vista".

I can see Canada from my house!   June 24th, 2009 3:50 pm ET

Just when you thought they could not screw up even more on the value and ideals front, along comes Ensign and Sanford, and all within a week of each other.

The GOP needs to understand something: they screw up equally with the Democrats in terms of destroying marriages, but at least the Dems have never tried to claim they had a monopoly on virtue. We attempt to accept our humanity, while the GOP tries to bury it under a pile of biblical phrases carefully chosen for whatever audience they are screaming at.

Don't underestimate Barbour, btw.

Joe   June 24th, 2009 3:49 pm ET

These republi(con)s are so immoral. Not another republi(con) President for another sixteen years.

They all announce thier candidacy for President, then announce they had an affair. What a bunch of cookkoos.

There are many more affairs to be announced by the REPUBLI(CONS).

tom   June 24th, 2009 3:47 pm ET

Those who campaign on family values should have them. Unfortunately they also forget the saying that "people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones".

Moderate Democrat   June 24th, 2009 3:47 pm ET

And I'm sure his first order of business will be to have an affair, like all the rest of the GOP, the party that clings to the slogan of "Family Values' but consistantly and repeatedly fails to live up to that motto.

Oh please, show me what frickin 'sanctimony of marriage' you are protecting the rest of us from? Because NONE of you seem to have a clue what it is either (McCain, Ensign, Sanford, Palin...and a list of other morally bankrupt republicans too long to type in my short life span).

Republicans are the lowest form of life on all of this earth to ever have existed. If you can't keep a promise to your FAMILY, then you can bet they are ALWAYS ripping off their constituents. Jesus Christ would have to die a thousand deaths to make up for their sins.

Who's Next   June 24th, 2009 3:47 pm ET

If things happen in 3's, we now have had 2 this week. Who is going to be next? If the Republicans didn't go around with a "holier than thou" attitude, preaching 'family values', this would nearly as big a story.

Ken in NC   June 24th, 2009 3:45 pm ET

People need to get over this relevation. The Gov. of SC had an affair, admitted it and come clean. That's all ya get. He is not going to resign from office as Gov.

He is not going to bring her here and parade her around Columbia and he is not going to go around the state on an apology tour.

We must remember that he is a good man. We all know this as he is a devoted conservative Republican and we all know that Republicans are the party of Family Values.

marlene   June 24th, 2009 3:44 pm ET

Good luck to Gov. Barbour! I hope under his leadership the GOP will move to a more reasonable party. The states are being sorely tested because of the economic crisis. Please seek a two party solution to the conflicts facing Americans.

JD from Moraga, CA   June 24th, 2009 3:44 pm ET

“While I am personally disappointed in today’s revelation, I also know that it’s important for both Governor Sanford and the RGA to move forward as quickly as possible,” Ayers said in the forthcoming statement.

"(moving) forward as quickly as possible" is code for "Damage Control."

GOP lover boy hater   June 24th, 2009 3:43 pm ET

How about those CONSERVATIVE family values Sanford.....no thanks. I think I will stay married to the same woman and remain faithful.

This perpetual parade of so called GOP conservatives who talk one way and act another is beyond belief.

I guess Sanford had his OWN stimulus package. He screwed that one up too.

Such hypocrisy!! Now 3 time married Newt and 3 time loser Rush can get in the news and talk about those GOP values.

I myself......a moderate.....of which the majority of people are continue to be amazed at the drivel some of these guys put out there.

blindbear   June 24th, 2009 3:43 pm ET

Dear GOP Abby,

I want to run for office as a Republican because the competition is so light, but I have a problem. I'm faithful to my wife and do not frequent prostitutes. Does this mean that I can't run as a Republican? Or can I run as a Republican in Name Only (RINO)

Prospective Family Values Republican

Steph   June 24th, 2009 3:43 pm ET

john in SD,

There are cheats and crooks on both sides. We didn't forget about the Dems who have cheated. They, however, did not preach on and on about Family Values and the Defense of Marriage! It is the hypocrisy that we are pouncing on.

Island girl   June 24th, 2009 3:42 pm ET

Hey there! Not every Democrat has forgotten Clinton and the rest of the political filanderers. We call a spade a spade. The outcry is basically because he does not uphold the ideals of the Republican party.

Moody   June 24th, 2009 3:42 pm ET

I thought I would be so happy to see the Republican Party go down so hard. But this is just getting sad at this point.

Joe   June 24th, 2009 3:41 pm ET

Just another good old southern BOY. It's becoming a plague or the normal...announce you are a Republican candidate for president, then go our and have an affair. They are the most immoral group.

The Republicons will not see office(President) for another sixteen(16) years.

Wolves 4 Palin Charlotte, NC   June 24th, 2009 3:39 pm ET

.... just another member of the Grand Old (white man) Party. Nothing has changed here.

walleye   June 24th, 2009 3:39 pm ET

TO: john in SD June 24th, 2009 3:34 pm ET who says:

Love how the Libs are pouncing on this…how quickly they forget Spitzer, John Edwards, Blagoiavich, Clinton., etc

What you say is true, but the libs have their affairs without holding a Bible in their hand and preaching to the rest of the world.

Lauren   June 24th, 2009 3:39 pm ET

Sounds like the party of "family values" had haley waiting in the wings because they knew what the announcement would be from gov. sanford.

Abby   June 24th, 2009 3:38 pm ET

my goodness!! As a person who knows a little something about Public Relations, I can tell you that they have a serious image problem if this pudgy old guy is the best that they could come up with.

ike   June 24th, 2009 3:38 pm ET

do yall forget that the Republican party was not a southern invention? it started in the midwest by people opposed to slavery. now if we are talking southern party than we have to say democratic party.pre and civil war southerns were the democratic not republican .

Anthony Ozigho   June 24th, 2009 3:37 pm ET

Whose next, self righteous politicians? First it was a Nevada senator, now it's Sanford. Who's next GOP? Haley are you also a disgrace waiting to happen?

Kevin   June 24th, 2009 3:35 pm ET

“However, the RGA is fortunate that Governor Haley Barbour was in line to become RGA Chairman, a position he assumed today. As a former RNC chairman and one of the best governors in the country, no one is better positioned to takeover as RGA chairman than Governor Barbour.”

What a crock! His state is on the verge of shutting down in days with no progress being made and he's campaigning out of state!

john in SD   June 24th, 2009 3:34 pm ET

Love how the Libs are pouncing on this...how quickly they forget Spitzer, John Edwards, Blagoiavich, Clinton., etc

gerry   June 24th, 2009 3:34 pm ET

So what will it be with Haley Barbour, an affair with a staffer, playing footsy's in a washroom, an affair in Argentina. I mean it's getting hard to keep up to the GOP unless one has a score card, so you can just continually cross out their names.

jeb b   June 24th, 2009 3:34 pm ET

and it all falls down; this is but the beginning the way all you folks in tese power postions go around thinking your mightyer than thou. all you folks w/ your crooked evil politics and the way you have been doing bussiness as usual. one way or another "you WILL reap what you sow". i do not feel for a man who has turned his back on people in need kids in need of education. it ain't over yet....... pharaoh

Gayle   June 24th, 2009 3:32 pm ET

The party of family values. Yeah.

Anthony R. Seta   June 24th, 2009 3:32 pm ET

The republican staff that covered for Governor's Sanford's absence should also face legal repercussions. This is not just a man feeling his oats story. There is real malfeasance involved. It's a republican so those SC voters that are in the republican camp will look the other way (hypocrits), but still – there must be some disciplinary action imposed upon all of those staffers who willingly lied to the press to cover for Sanford.

Kimberly   June 24th, 2009 3:32 pm ET

this guy is a LOON!!!!!

Observer   June 24th, 2009 3:31 pm ET

Is it me or is it that every time politician claim they have a new hope, they have to quit in tears because they can't be faithful....?

Claudia in Houson   June 24th, 2009 3:31 pm ET

Republicans shoot themselves in the foot again, Haley Barbour was a lobbyist and still works on behalf of lobbyist. Read this man history.

Joe   June 24th, 2009 3:30 pm ET

This is just all too funny and another example of why I don't read fiction. The Republicans are more fun than Monty Python anymore.

slkwly   June 24th, 2009 3:30 pm ET

You really didn't expect anything sensible out of this group did you?

Randy, San Francisco   June 24th, 2009 3:29 pm ET

The GOP is self destructing. The list of potential GOP presidential candidates, while not impressive or credible, seems to be gettting shorter.

Buster   June 24th, 2009 3:29 pm ET

Politicians have no ETHICS, Republicans and Democrats. Vote them all out in 2010 and 2012. If you have to vote for your party, vote out the incumbent.

Bruce in GR   June 24th, 2009 3:28 pm ET

As an independent who lothes year idea of another republic in the House, this is a great and glorious day! Let the rhino purging continue! Remind me again, where did all of the Katrina money go? Oh yeah, Mississippi. Have a great ride Mr barbour on the sinking ship known as the republican party. Please

GOP = 21st century dodo   June 24th, 2009 3:27 pm ET

What a malfunctioning joke of a party the GOP has become. These people should be kept as far away from decision-making as possible.

MJHS1967   June 24th, 2009 3:27 pm ET

J Wills: I couldn't have said it better myself. The GOP is pitiful. They should just Rove – oveR :(

bruce   June 24th, 2009 3:26 pm ET

This is a joke,,,the whole thing...
RGA wasted no time throwing Sanford under the bus, deservedly so...but this guy..come on...wonder if his sheet is at the cleaners.
I thoght Palin was the darling of the party...so why not her...tells you something of what the good old boys in the party think of her.
This is just a big joke....

Shucks   June 24th, 2009 3:26 pm ET

GOP Joins the new lineup on Comedy Central. The new "christian" value, cry alot when you get caught and God will forgive you. Laughing all the way to 2016 and beyond.

Thomas5   June 24th, 2009 3:25 pm ET

"I didn't think we had blatant racists running around in prominent positions in this day and age"

-–

Of course there are Steph! Just look at Robert Byrd.

Roscot   June 24th, 2009 3:25 pm ET

It is either insanity or rather ignoramus upbringing how this lot of hairbrained politicians that are supposed to be exemplary Americans get elected to the posts that they manage to somehow weasel their way into nowadays. This does not say a lot for the mentality of the US population that votes them into office. Either Americans are the dumbest humans on the planet, or to put it mildly their priorities are much like those in inhabitants of third world countries. Just where is American pride today? Someone please answer that question where it could be implanted in the brains of the American populace. Enough said? I doubt it.

alpha_nu_916   June 24th, 2009 3:25 pm ET

the party is once again reinventing itself in these perilous times with harley barbour assuming the leadership position at the RGA – i mean nothing says welcome to the party of the 21st century like a red-faced southern sixty-something year old white male, arms wide open.

carlo   June 24th, 2009 3:23 pm ET

This sounds like an inside job. Barbour took over a little too fast for it to be completely clean.

big papa   June 24th, 2009 3:22 pm ET

Frying pan into the fire...

...Barbour's just another, more severe case of confederacy gone wild!

...Mississippi should be involuntarily seceeded from the union...

...then invaded to free its minority population...

prairieguy   June 24th, 2009 3:21 pm ET

A good ole boy replaces another...way to expand from your southern base.

The RGA didn't even let the Gov finish his press conferences before naming a new one....I think someone was preinformed of this!!

J Wills   June 24th, 2009 3:20 pm ET

Ha Ha!

Barbour is another great example of the 'old' Republican party!

THEY ARE STUCK IN THE OLD SOUTH 1950s !!!!!!!

carlo   June 24th, 2009 3:17 pm ET

Why not Palin? Isn't she more popular than he is?

Steph   June 24th, 2009 3:17 pm ET

Barbour makes me sick. I didn't think we had blatant racists running around in prominent positions in this day and age, but I was definitely wrong. His ties to white supremacist groups should disqualify him from any position of power in either party.

Maryann Rose   June 24th, 2009 3:16 pm ET

Great...when do we get to hear about HIS extramarital affair, illegal payoff or drug problem?

One of the best governors in the country? I thought that was supposed to be Sarah Palin?

Texas   June 24th, 2009 3:16 pm ET

The GOP is doing a bang up job! I mean really, they are champs at all these sexual scandals. Maybe they should run on that platform. Oh wait, no aren't they the ones that are championing marriage and virtues and faith and devotion, and all things "good" and conservatism? Wow, thanks for giving us another path to staying in the driver seat for the next 8 years at least!

Mel of Alexandria   June 24th, 2009 3:14 pm ET

How are the mighty fallen. It boggles the mind when the self-righteous bigots bite the dust. It behooves us all to walk humbly, and do not pretend to be far removed from the pain and hurts of others.

Traveling Talleywacker   June 24th, 2009 3:14 pm ET

Has Haley ever been abroad? With a "broad"?, Profess "Family Values"?

GOP 2010, Whooppee You Can Count On.

Bob of Lompoc   June 24th, 2009 3:12 pm ET

Yet another rich, fat, angry, white male becomes a mover and shaker in the Republican party. Good by 2010 and 2012.

Obama Victim   June 24th, 2009 3:10 pm ET

Haley Barbour was RNC Chairman..........has been a two term govenor working with a Democrat house/senate.........he knows what he is doing.............actually might be a break for the Repubs

TJ in Nawlins   June 24th, 2009 3:09 pm ET

Just what the RGA needs to spruce up their image... one southern replacing another... the Republican party... the party of the South.

Shameful.

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA   June 24th, 2009 3:05 pm ET

Barbour won't run for the presidential bid in 2012, but he'll take Sanford's post. Oh the irony is killing me softly.

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