CNN Political Ticker
963 days ago

Sanford says he was in Argentina, not on Appalachian Trail

(CNN) - Gov. Mark Sanford did not spend the last five days hiking the Appalachian Trail - as his staff had indicated - but was instead in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the South Carolina Republican told The State newspaper Wednesday.

Spotted returning from the trip in the Atlanta airport Wednesday morning, Sanford said he had considered hiking the Appalachian Trail after his state's busy legislative season came to end but instead decided on a more "exotic" trip.

"I wanted to do something exotic. It's a great city," said Sanford of his five-day getaway that appeared to leave his entire staff and family in the dark about his whereabouts. Sanford also said no one else accompanied him on the trip.

Sanford wouldn't tell the newspaper exactly what he did in the South American country, besides take a drive along the coastline.

The South Carolina governor also said he hadn't planned to return until Thursday, but came back earlier after his chief of staff contacted him to say the story of his whereabouts was drawing widespread media attention.

Sanford expressed surprise the story was attracting such attention, saying it's not unusual for him to take such trips.

"I would get out of the bubble I am in," he said.

In a short interview with CNN Tuesday, Sanford's wife Jenny said she still has not talked to her husband since he left last Thursday and did not know where he went.

Full story


Filed under: Mark Sanford
soundoff (298 Responses)
  1. pv

    He's done.

    How deceitful can you be, Mr. Sanford?

    June 24, 2009 08:38 am at 8:38 am |
  2. brad

    He sounds like an odd fella. Personally, it really is none of our business. And this is coming from a person that doesn't jibe with his policies. However, it is his family's and state's business. All the best SC.

    June 24, 2009 08:40 am at 8:40 am |
  3. JT

    SCUM BAG! He probably went to sleep around with a bunch of women...i hope this guy gets impeached!

    June 24, 2009 08:41 am at 8:41 am |
  4. Esco

    I don't blame you for getting away at all...the public offices can be very stressful. It is dangerous to just go off on your own without notice though...especially a foreign country. They should just squash this story and move on.

    June 24, 2009 08:42 am at 8:42 am |
  5. Bumsteer

    Something's very fishy here. Away from your family on Father's Day? Sounds like another Elliot Spitzer type thing to me.

    June 24, 2009 08:42 am at 8:42 am |
  6. Jane

    Okay, you were in Argentina without telling anybody-fine, let the voters decide if that's important. So why did your staff say you were hiking? Seriously, where the hell did that come from? And why didn't you even tell your wife?

    June 24, 2009 08:42 am at 8:42 am |
  7. Susan from S Illinois

    What a nut job!

    June 24, 2009 08:43 am at 8:43 am |
  8. Denise

    This is weird and suspicious. I think we can eliminate Sanford as a Presidential candidate for 2012. WHOOPPEEEE!!!

    June 24, 2009 08:43 am at 8:43 am |
  9. Michael

    Say hello to one of the GOP 2012 frontrunners.

    June 24, 2009 08:43 am at 8:43 am |
  10. Brian

    I understand that he may need to take a few days to clear his head, but I do wonder how he used the tax payers dollars on this trip. Certainly the people of South Carolina paid for the gas that he used to get to and from the airport.

    Maybe he used the stimulus money that he didn't want.

    June 24, 2009 08:44 am at 8:44 am |
  11. cheryl

    And this was te best SC could pick to be governor? Glad your state didn't have an emergency.

    June 24, 2009 08:44 am at 8:44 am |
  12. darby

    Was Gov. Sanford with Senator Larry Craig?

    June 24, 2009 08:44 am at 8:44 am |
  13. Fred the Moderate

    So the story has already begun to change! I've seen this before especially with the Republican religous right. It starts with a lie, goes to another lie then another until the media finds the truth and they come out with their poor wife in tow and apologize.

    It would be refreshing if for once they just tell the truth first and take their medicine. But airs must be maintained if one wishes to become the presidential candidate for the GOP

    June 24, 2009 08:44 am at 8:44 am |
  14. MCR

    This story is getting more interesting. It seemed like a ridiculous non-story at first, but now I wouldn't be surprised to find that he was accompanied on his trip by Sen. Ensign and a couple prostitutes.

    June 24, 2009 08:44 am at 8:44 am |
  15. D. Wilson

    Ok...well...

    You are an elected *public* official. You take a state owned vehicle, and without telling anyone, including your family, what you are doing, where you are going, disappear for several days.

    Upon your return to the world, you *lie* about where you went.

    Then when you are caught in your lie, you tell the "truth" ...that you went to Argentina for a "quick change of scenery?"

    ?!?!?

    There is a whole lot more to this story than what he is letting on. At the very least, the man is unstable. At worst, he is involved in something criminal.

    June 24, 2009 08:44 am at 8:44 am |
  16. http://www.popduds.com

    So who is his mistress? What a lousy human being,

    June 24, 2009 08:45 am at 8:45 am |
  17. T

    This is bull sh@t, he will always be in a bubble, because he did it to self. American people cant trust him because of his strange behavior.
    What a butttttt wipe.

    June 24, 2009 08:45 am at 8:45 am |
  18. d1120

    This guy is just too wierd...not even telling his wife. Wonder what he would think if she ran away for a week...hmmm...

    June 24, 2009 08:45 am at 8:45 am |
  19. didi

    this dude lost his mind....I think he wanted to flee to south america with stimulus money....unfortunately, his visa there might not have permitted, so came back.....Lt. governor needs to take care of this state....this dude is an idiot....to escape...

    June 24, 2009 08:45 am at 8:45 am |
  20. Cheri

    I live in Columbia, SC and I must say I am appalled by this whole situation. As a Governor, Sanford should not have gone out of the state, let alone out of the country!, without officials knowing his whereabouts. I can understand people in the public eye wanting to get away, but c'mon! There are some things that need to be done when you're the head of a state – and letting people like the Lt. Gov and other high officials know that you'll be "out of pocket" is one of them!

    June 24, 2009 08:45 am at 8:45 am |
  21. Pete

    This is insanity!

    June 24, 2009 08:46 am at 8:46 am |
  22. CGS in SC

    This clown has been a constant embarassment to SC. Can't wait until he's out of office. Nothing he does surprises me. His behavior in inexcusable.

    I wonder if he hooked up with Kate Gosselin while he was gone? Hence, the divroce announcement on Monday.

    June 24, 2009 08:46 am at 8:46 am |
  23. Rob

    I don't think people would care if he actually TOLD his staff where he was going. But the fact that he disappears to foreign countries and left his kids on FATHER'S DAY really irks me.

    From what I read from actual SC residents, he is a terrible governor and really needs to be removed, and certainlly no way can he run for President in 2012....or maybe he should so Obama can have an easy win.

    June 24, 2009 08:47 am at 8:47 am |
  24. Dave in Houston

    Another right-wing nutjob.

    June 24, 2009 08:48 am at 8:48 am |
  25. Jason

    How nice for him. If I took a vacation from my job for a week without telling anyone, I wouldn't have a job left to come back to.

    June 24, 2009 08:48 am at 8:48 am |
  26. James

    bye bye presidential chances. Of course, I'd have never voted for him in the first place, but hopefully others now see this guy is erratic and unstable. I think his posturing during the stimulus talk was also ridiculous, when his state was aching for increases in its school budgets, etc ... he rejected money from the feds. (or tried to at least) Everyone needs a vacation, but to miss telling your family and the state where you're going – that's unexcusable.

    June 24, 2009 08:48 am at 8:48 am |
  27. Pam Eugene Oregon

    This is just the beginning of the story. This will be fun to watch it play out.

    June 24, 2009 08:48 am at 8:48 am |
  28. dominican mama 4 Obama

    Say whaaaaat??? Argentina? Without inviting his wife along? Without informing his wife that hewas leaving the COUNTRY? This guy sounds like a total jerk. Meanwhile, his plane could've crashed, or any number of things could've rendered him missing and the State Troopers would've been beating the bushes searching for his irresponsible behind along some trail in the Appalachians!

    He can kiss running for Pressident goodbye. He is too arrogant and irresponsible. ARGENTINA???????!

    June 24, 2009 08:49 am at 8:49 am |
  29. DJJ

    And this guy is considering running for POTUS? You gotta be kidding!
    The last trait I want in a president is one capable, by demonstration, of "blacking out" for days at a time with it appearing that not even his wife knowing where he's at, let alone his staff!
    So this morning we have yet another "version" of his whereabouts!
    The spin will be in high gear now!
    This is a "stable" president? Governor? Individual?
    Sir, seek some counseling, please.

    June 24, 2009 08:51 am at 8:51 am |
  30. Gerry

    what a typical scumbag politician.
    we all know what he was doing there.
    didn't even want to be with the family.
    what a guy!

    June 24, 2009 08:53 am at 8:53 am |
  31. Tom H

    During DC Mayor Marion Barry's fourth term, he used to disappear for several days on end - to relax etc. Turns out it was attempts at rehab.

    June 24, 2009 08:53 am at 8:53 am |
  32. KGMom

    Sorry–I am not buying this story. Gov. Sanford could NOT just change his mind at the last minute.
    At the least, he would need a PASSPORT, and unless he carries it all the time, he needed to do some planning.
    Did no one from Homeland Security notices that the Governor's name was on the flight manifest?

    June 24, 2009 08:53 am at 8:53 am |
  33. John

    The truth?, I think not. Doesn't he know that the truth WILL come out. Politicians are such habitual liars. I predict a sex scandal in a few days involving this person.

    June 24, 2009 08:55 am at 8:55 am |
  34. mw

    Weird. who paid for the trip. did he pocket the money he refused to accept for the state. he has very understanding wife, doesn't he. or maybe he is a delight to be away from.

    June 24, 2009 08:56 am at 8:56 am |
  35. ANNY

    Another scandle for the Republicans, what is all this secret stuff anyway......Palin does the same thing.........I guess they have to may skeletons in their closets and they have to be always on the sly.......

    June 24, 2009 08:56 am at 8:56 am |
  36. John

    Then the aid knew where he was all the time...and lied about it.

    June 24, 2009 08:56 am at 8:56 am |
  37. Fair is Fair

    This guy is more than just a little peculiar.

    June 24, 2009 08:56 am at 8:56 am |
  38. joe smith

    the media has done their job again..one thing sure, with all these negative comments, we certainly hope all of you recuse yourselves from any jury duty..

    June 24, 2009 08:57 am at 8:57 am |
  39. Hope

    Family value, he was with his other kids on fathers day and the other wife knows that. Cut him some slack

    June 24, 2009 08:58 am at 8:58 am |
  40. David

    This guys is toast. Mentally he is unstable. The world knows that he is unstable and should be watched. This explains his off he wall political stunts and view points. His wife is done with him, because she could care less what he does, where he is, or if he ever comes back.

    He lies to his staff, the people of SC and abandoned his job as governor of SC. And this is the whack job that the GOP want's to be president??

    June 24, 2009 08:58 am at 8:58 am |
  41. scooter

    This is just your typical diversion story to get away from the real points out there. Iran is in kaos, north korea is showing there guns, they are spending trillions and want to spend more on healthcare, we have prisoners being taken in foreign countries and the best we can do is plan wheres waldo? no wonder this country is in the shape its in and its not a rep, dem thing its a media has forgotten there real job thing.

    June 24, 2009 08:59 am at 8:59 am |
  42. Skyview

    Sandford is just another one of those Republicans who talk -the -talk but can't walk -the -walk. Like Ensign, he will finally confess to the truth of what he was doing, and then he will claim that someone was trying to blackmail him. These "conservatives1 make me sick! They are all about keeping the power and the riches of this country in the hands and control of a very few, while the rest of us scrape and suffer and then die broke. Shame on the Republicans!

    June 24, 2009 09:01 am at 9:01 am |
  43. whatever

    Something stinks about this whole story. As a South Carolinian, I think he should have let those who pay his salary know he was on vacation. When one decides to run for a position such as governor, you don't get to clock out and go off not to be heard from. South Carolina has one of the highest unempoyment rates, is low on the list in terms of education and he decides to go off to lick his wounds. His term is almost up and can't come soon enough. Don't take the job if you can't handle the pressure.

    June 24, 2009 09:01 am at 9:01 am |
  44. Robin

    Who really cares? I for one would like CNN to report on stories that matter. Such as North Korea and rising unemployment.

    June 24, 2009 09:01 am at 9:01 am |
  45. Huh?

    Is this guy pulling a McGreevy?

    June 24, 2009 09:01 am at 9:01 am |
  46. GA Man

    Palin-Sanford in2012! More Republican Wing Nuts! Don't forget to throw Newt in there and also: Obey Rush at any cost!
    What kind of guy doesn't even tell his wife where he's gone?

    June 24, 2009 09:01 am at 9:01 am |
  47. rachel

    Not unusual for me to take such trips?

    So basically he's saying he's wandered off to find himself many times before without letting anyone know his where abouts even his family. What a responsible guy.

    June 24, 2009 09:02 am at 9:02 am |
  48. landshark

    This wrong on so many levels! This man has serious psychological problems! He must be pressed to leave office!

    June 24, 2009 09:02 am at 9:02 am |
  49. Wes

    I've deserted my family, my job, my office and my state....... I really don't undertand why this is getting any attention at all.

    What a Governor to be proud of.

    June 24, 2009 09:02 am at 9:02 am |
  50. LOL at this guy...

    Who voted for im again? I bet yall want them votes back now...and Im pretty sure tax payers paid for this...

    June 24, 2009 09:02 am at 9:02 am |
  51. Dave

    Can you spell bimbo? Boy, does this smell.

    Seriously, the person(s) I feel sorry for are his wife and kids. This guy is another fine example of male politicians run amok who cannot keep their in their pants. What is with these guys?

    This guy needs to give complete and total details about where he was and who he was with the entire time. If you want to be a public figure and you pull this sort of junk you need to learn there are penaties to pay. Only then can the public decide whether he is fit to hold office or not.

    June 24, 2009 09:02 am at 9:02 am |
  52. relieved

    Those of us in Illinois are grateful to the Gov. – finally another state has a governor just as screwed-up as Blagojevich!

    June 24, 2009 09:02 am at 9:02 am |
  53. Timbuk2

    Everyone needs time to themselves, that is just part of being human, however, when you take on certain responsibilities, the prudent thing to do, is be responsible. I can even understand your going on vacation, but to be so selfish to just disappear from the responsibility of being THE executive officer of a state, is disgusting. We have nothing to with how one leaves his family, that is truly personal, but to leave your state unattended is something else.

    I now know how people feel who voted for George Bush! Simply duped...

    June 24, 2009 09:03 am at 9:03 am |
  54. Dianne

    His wife should be waiting at the door with divorce papers and a gun!!!!!. Who does he think he is kidding. Just up and leave four sons (one Father's Day weekend) and his wife and not tell them that he was going on a trip alone. Does he think everyone is as stupid as he is??

    June 24, 2009 09:03 am at 9:03 am |
  55. Amazen1

    He should be drug tested asap.

    June 24, 2009 09:03 am at 9:03 am |
  56. The Game

    [...]the governor, a possible 2012 presidential candidate,[...]
    yeah right!!!

    i think the serious thinkers within the GOP will have their new party running long before 2012 .. Nuff said !

    June 24, 2009 09:04 am at 9:04 am |
  57. Elaine AR

    WOW! Curious and more curious...who in their right mind would leave their wife and family for 5 days without letting them know where he was going, let alone a governorship!! The man is hiding something. Throw the bum out!!

    June 24, 2009 09:04 am at 9:04 am |
  58. Jules

    Don't cry for me Argentina...lol... Lets see how this snowballs.

    June 24, 2009 09:04 am at 9:04 am |
  59. srichey

    This is hilarious–kind of. I don't think we will ever know what actually happened.

    June 24, 2009 09:04 am at 9:04 am |
  60. Gail Gannon

    Things that make you go hmmmmm.

    Wife doesn't know where he is?? Good for you lady, for not protecting him on this. Mrs. Sanford should research "narcissism" on the internet.

    June 24, 2009 09:04 am at 9:04 am |
  61. Bob Painter

    I find this erratic behavior appalling for an elected official. What would happen if an emergency required the governor's attention?

    June 24, 2009 09:04 am at 9:04 am |
  62. Ryan Wing

    You shouldn't all be assuming he had an affair. A lot of this has to do with news outlets making major stories out of rumors ... any time anyone said anything it got covered as breaking news.

    June 24, 2009 09:04 am at 9:04 am |
  63. B'ham

    I heard he wants to run for President. Good luck with that. I feel sorry for my Republican friends. They have clowns and buffoons representing them. Too bad.

    June 24, 2009 09:05 am at 9:05 am |
  64. Gotta Wonder

    I understand a guy wanting to take some time to himself, but couldn't he have given his wife a little more information? Hotel phone number, name of the country, or at least the name of the continent? Emergencies happen, and he was being a little too selfish in his escapade.

    June 24, 2009 09:05 am at 9:05 am |
  65. V

    Just getting funnier by the minute! he he

    June 24, 2009 09:05 am at 9:05 am |
  66. Tim S.- Tampa

    His critics have been saying what a flake this guy is ... Now will you listen?

    June 24, 2009 09:05 am at 9:05 am |
  67. Luis

    The trip to Argentina has a first and last name. It's a matter of time.

    June 24, 2009 09:05 am at 9:05 am |
  68. sms29s

    Unless he is a CIA agent in deep cover, there is no possible reason for his disappearance that can be consistent with the future of his political career. This guy is toast.

    June 24, 2009 09:06 am at 9:06 am |
  69. Independent in Virginia

    Sounds like family problems to me. Good to know that CNN is all over this!! Did you find out what color shoes he wore when he returned from Argentina? What about the currency exchange rate? That can kill a vacation.

    June 24, 2009 09:06 am at 9:06 am |
  70. joe smith

    one other thing..since Cnn, and the local law were able to find mr, sanfords chevy, ( at least it's American ), at the airport, maybe Cnn can use their vast financial resources to pin-point bin-laden, could you imagine the size of the Stetsen blitzer would need after that..

    June 24, 2009 09:06 am at 9:06 am |
  71. Proc

    I blame George Bush. All heil Obama!!

    June 24, 2009 09:06 am at 9:06 am |
  72. More politicians lies!

    Who cares already?? Hunt him down like a dog. Secret trip, there must be pictures of him with another woman!! What else could it have been?

    June 24, 2009 09:06 am at 9:06 am |
  73. Pete

    Aww man this guy is crazy.

    June 24, 2009 09:06 am at 9:06 am |
  74. Trey

    I think Sanford is a selfish, self centered person, especially since he did not even tell his 'Family" how arrogant can one person be! I still believe there is more to this story than he is telling. I hope he runs for President in 2012 and gets the nomination, that would guarantee Obama a second term! He is an "Idiot"!

    June 24, 2009 09:07 am at 9:07 am |
  75. Blame it on Rio

    What happens in Buenos Aries stays in Buenos Aries...

    June 24, 2009 09:07 am at 9:07 am |
  76. Mike

    As a Carolinian I don't care where he went, I just wish he would have stayed there. The state is a mess, education in this state is a ranked 48th in the US, and he goes to Argentina?! Moron!!

    June 24, 2009 09:07 am at 9:07 am |
  77. Rob Mack

    All the major news sites have covered this story except for fox.com. If this was a dem it would be their whole news cycle. Thanks CNN and the other real News outlets. This dude is a bad liar, how did he get elected???

    June 24, 2009 09:07 am at 9:07 am |
  78. Shery

    If I left my job teaching for five days to decompress and did not tell anyone, I would be dismissed.

    June 24, 2009 09:07 am at 9:07 am |
  79. Tony

    Never mind if something happened in the state and he was needed, what if one of his children was in an accident, or became ill and his wife did not know where he was. And it absolutely is our buisness, this bozo wants to run for president.

    June 24, 2009 09:07 am at 9:07 am |
  80. Democrat in NC

    What's that sound? Oh, it's the nails in the coffin.

    June 24, 2009 09:07 am at 9:07 am |
  81. landshark

    [...] LATE LATE UPDATE: Wow. The Appalachian Trail goes all the way down to ARGENTINA???? Who KNEW??? [...]

    There's a transporter station in Atlanta! Beam me up scottie!

    June 24, 2009 09:07 am at 9:07 am |
  82. carlo

    Esco June 24th, 2009 8:42 am ET

    I don't blame you for getting away at all…the public offices can be very stressful. It is dangerous to just go off on your own without notice though…especially a foreign country. They should just squash this story and move on.
    **********************************************
    You'll never get that lucky bub. Buenos Aires is a spot notorious for gorgeous people, some of whom can be had for the right price. This guy is a philanderer, and he's done it often, which is why his wife didn't seem upset about him being gone, but more upset that anyone found out.

    What makes it even more strange is that this guy's wife is gorgeous and his kids are adorable. What an unappreciative jerk.

    June 24, 2009 09:07 am at 9:07 am |
  83. Anonymous

    remove him from office........ NOW!!!

    June 24, 2009 09:07 am at 9:07 am |
  84. Tesap;Savannah GA

    Again, I ask who is footing the bill??????????

    June 24, 2009 09:07 am at 9:07 am |
  85. Candy West Virginia

    Interesting how he refused money that would help his state but had no problem supporting bush bankrupting this country with an illegal war. He was one of bush's staunchest allies. I don't care where he went or what he did although he sure seems a little unstable but to deny your own people money who are struggling because you are self righteous and yet you supported a crooked president, well that is hypocritical and typical republican.

    June 24, 2009 09:08 am at 9:08 am |
  86. yolanda

    One down for 2012! Was he even a contender?

    June 24, 2009 09:08 am at 9:08 am |
  87. Butch Dillon

    The chief executive of a state disappears for a week without notifying a soul and he doesn't understand why it's a story? Governing the state is a full time job, this guy isn't even a full time person.

    June 24, 2009 09:08 am at 9:08 am |
  88. Fremann

    He was there for a reason? Think, clearly.
    The situation. Pay attention.

    June 24, 2009 09:09 am at 9:09 am |
  89. Realistic2

    Weird to say the least. A governor is allowed to travel and take vacations like anyone else but this is alittle weird.He leaves the country without telling anyone anything?Not his wife, his staff and when it comes out on the media, they say he is hiking in the App trail and than we find out he is thousands miles away, very weird.

    June 24, 2009 09:09 am at 9:09 am |
  90. Mike in Columbus

    Fishy much?

    June 24, 2009 09:09 am at 9:09 am |
  91. FactCheck

    Maybe he thought he could see Iran from South America?

    June 24, 2009 09:09 am at 9:09 am |
  92. Steve

    As bad as we've got it here in GA with Sonny "Go Fish" Perdue, at least he never "wigged out" and left without telling someone.

    June 24, 2009 09:09 am at 9:09 am |
  93. Adrian Middleton

    I guarantee you that he spent the weekend with ESCORTS, HOOKERS, and PROSTITUTES. I mean c'mon I have been to Buenos Aires..........they are EVERYWHERE. Not judging him because they are smoking hot just giving you the truth. Maybe now he will get that Republican Swagger back in his step!!! Go get em' stud!

    June 24, 2009 09:09 am at 9:09 am |
  94. Fed Up

    Michael – Maybe Edwards can run again for you guys. You think Democrats are such stand up guys. What about former President Clinton, Gotta love what he does on the job!! Politicians are sleezy, and that my friend is the only true bipartisan bond they share!!

    June 24, 2009 09:09 am at 9:09 am |
  95. Larry

    Did the taxpayer pay for his trip?

    We're not paying for these morons to take "exotic" trips because they're a little "stressed"!

    June 24, 2009 09:09 am at 9:09 am |
  96. Lee

    Sanford. Name rings a bell. Is he or not somehow related to Ponzi Sanford? Seems like similar personalities.

    June 24, 2009 09:10 am at 9:10 am |
  97. ralph

    They both begin with "A."

    June 24, 2009 09:10 am at 9:10 am |
  98. Randy, San Francisco

    Just think...if Sanford was President of the United States, where would he be if the 3 am emergency call to the White House is made?

    June 24, 2009 09:10 am at 9:10 am |
  99. Dude

    To Fred the Moderate,

    Sure you are a moderate, unless moderate means liberal in your world. What a stupid comment you made. What does this have to do with the religious right? The so-called "religious right" does 80% of the charitable work that liberals only talk about fool!

    June 24, 2009 09:10 am at 9:10 am |
  100. Jim

    Beyond the issues of a governor not being available to serve his state in the event of a crisis and using government equipment for personal use. I wonder what this does to his security clearance; normally when you have a security clearance and plan to leave the country you have to file paperwork on where you're going to see if any conflicts arise. With him taking off like that, it could be argued that his clearance should be pulled and at that point does he become ineffective as governor

    June 24, 2009 09:10 am at 9:10 am |
  101. Yellow Dog Democrat

    Just because you disappear on Father's Day without telling your wife and kids doesn't mean you can preach family values.....

    June 24, 2009 09:11 am at 9:11 am |
  102. Kevin

    Can't wait to get the rest of this story. I'm sure the media can do some digging and find out.

    June 24, 2009 09:11 am at 9:11 am |
  103. joseph cregan

    Sanford Palin 2012

    June 24, 2009 09:11 am at 9:11 am |
  104. rand

    From what I understand, Sanford "escaped" to Poland last fall without others knowing as well. Seems he needs to get away from it all including his family. Raises some red flags doesn't it?

    June 24, 2009 09:12 am at 9:12 am |
  105. T. K.

    I think when it's all said and done-you will find there is another woman somewhere in this story!

    June 24, 2009 09:12 am at 9:12 am |
  106. Demarcus Jackson from Columbia, TN

    Strange and curious.

    June 24, 2009 09:13 am at 9:13 am |
  107. Eileen

    Sanford handled this situation with the maturity of a 16 year old. His actions were not only irresponsible to the state of South Carolina, but also to his family.

    When the going gets tough, Sanford runs away to hide. Kiss those presidential hopes goodbye.

    June 24, 2009 09:13 am at 9:13 am |
  108. Carole Wooten

    The Governor was on a "walk about." walkabout 30 up, 5 down
    Background: Australian. Given to us by Crocodile Dundee:
    A spontaneous journey through the wilderness of one's choosing in an effort to satisfy one's itchy feet, a need to be elsewhere, the craving for the open road, that space over the horizon...yes... something like that... you can't quite touch it so you have to go find it because it's you just know it's there...Or maybe it just feels good to go walking around ... :wink: Yeah. It's WALKABOUT.
    See "Crocodile Dundee" 1986 starring Paul Hogan.

    June 24, 2009 09:13 am at 9:13 am |
  109. Patrick

    Something is very 'fishy' about his story..........wonder what really is going on between the lines. And his wife did not know............even more suspicious.

    June 24, 2009 09:13 am at 9:13 am |
  110. Melissa

    I really wish Governor Sanford would quit embarassing the Republicans in this state! I don't understand none of it! He has done some of the stupidist things I have ever seen a Governor do, and I didn't buy the stupid trail story, and I don't buy he went to some exotic land for a week alone! Poor Jenny! I am sorry but why he didn't take his beautiful wife? and the kids on such a great vacation... but alone... Re-election time can't come fast enough! and please God don't let him embarass us all again by even attempting to run for President, sounds like he has a mistress, and I am sorry but I don't want another Clinton either!

    June 24, 2009 09:14 am at 9:14 am |
  111. flybyshoeing

    More disturbing to me is the fact that his wife supposedly did not know where he was. Not the fact that no one in his office or the second in command of the state. What if something had happened to one of his children and noone could reach him? That is the scarey part.

    June 24, 2009 09:14 am at 9:14 am |
  112. Ryan

    sounds like the Michelle Bachmann of the South. I know there are plenty of crazy Democrats too, but lately the Republicans seem to be taking it to a whole new level.

    June 24, 2009 09:15 am at 9:15 am |
  113. ch

    Nuts – just another in a long line of GOP crazies!

    June 24, 2009 09:15 am at 9:15 am |
  114. Phil

    Can't a guy take a vacation and getaway? It's not like he was stealing from the state or running from justice. After being forced to take that ridiculous stimulus money, I would need a break myself.

    June 24, 2009 09:15 am at 9:15 am |
  115. Martin

    How many more lies will we hear until the truth comes out?

    June 24, 2009 09:16 am at 9:16 am |
  116. Richard Fraer Pittsburgh, PA

    This guy is a nutcake and irresponsible in his actions and thinking, lock him up.

    June 24, 2009 09:16 am at 9:16 am |
  117. JDQ

    "Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive......"

    June 24, 2009 09:16 am at 9:16 am |
  118. renaldo

    Oh definitly an extramaritial affair. Only question: was it with a girl or a guy?

    June 24, 2009 09:16 am at 9:16 am |
  119. Grog in Ohio

    This looks like merely the tip of an iceberg. I won't speculate, but I will suspect that Governor Sanford is hiding something quite a bit more dark than the need for a get away.

    June 24, 2009 09:16 am at 9:16 am |
  120. Joe

    Stand back, Buenos Aires!! Does he do Evita in drag?

    June 24, 2009 09:16 am at 9:16 am |
  121. Bill S.

    I'm usually in favor of giving politicians.celebrities their privacy, but leaving the country without even telling his family where he's going is irresponsible. He's the weakest link. Goodbye.

    June 24, 2009 09:17 am at 9:17 am |
  122. sharon, newport news, virginia

    He went alone on this trip – yeah right!!!!! What a whack job!!! I hope his state didn't have to pick up any of the tab. Most curious is that his staff covered up for him with a big fat lie.If he hadn't been seen at the Atlanta airport they would probably stick to the hiking. Here is another outstanding Republican to lead the Republican party into the future. Knowing the investigative tv news stattions, it won't be long before "Her" idenity is discovered. Go get him CNN MSNBC(Fox won't because he is one of them)

    June 24, 2009 09:17 am at 9:17 am |
  123. Matt

    Well it sounds a little weird, but the terms "scumbag" or "right-wing nutjob" are not appropriate, I don't think.

    It's just a little weird, nothing else. I'm weird too. But I'm not contemplating a run for POTUS in 2012...

    June 24, 2009 09:17 am at 9:17 am |
  124. John

    I ask again...if the aid said he was hiking in Appalacia, why did he contact him in Argentina? The aid knew where he was and lied.

    June 24, 2009 09:17 am at 9:17 am |
  125. DMWhipp

    I wonder how many Americans can afford to hop on a plane on a whim and head to Buenos Aires for 5 days?

    Regardless, to leave the country for 5 days without telling his family is a little strange, to say the least. And to leave without putting someone else in charge of his state in case of an emergency is irresponsible. I don't think we've seen the end of this story.

    June 24, 2009 09:18 am at 9:18 am |
  126. w

    ok, his case looks pretty bad but people should stop short of accusing the man for sleeping around, etc...what if his staff screwed up on the trail story, what if his wife cheated on him?...hhhmmm...p.s., Father's Day is another made up Hallmark occasion just like Valentine's Day...so what?

    June 24, 2009 09:18 am at 9:18 am |
  127. chris

    Ok…well…

    You are an elected *public* official. You take a state owned vehicle, and without telling anyone, including your family, what you are doing, where you are going, disappear for several days.

    Upon your return to the world, you *lie* about where you went.

    Then when you are caught in your lie, you tell the "truth" …that you went to Argentina for originalstiffnights.com a "quick change of scenery?"

    ?!?!?

    There is a whole lot more to this story than what he is letting on. At the very least, the man is unstable. At worst, he is involved in something criminal.

    June 24, 2009 09:18 am at 9:18 am |
  128. Phil

    Well...Argentina and Appalachian Trail both begin with "A". And we thought OUR Governor was a bad apple! I say impeach and divorce. Even this citizens of his own state are appalled by this behavior...and rightfully so. There is more to this story than meets the eye, truat me.

    June 24, 2009 09:19 am at 9:19 am |
  129. phoenix86

    This is not news. Would CNN mind giving some attention to the energy tax bill coming to a vote this Friday?, or the nationalization and cost of the Obama health care plan?, or perhaps the N. Korean missle launch scheduled for next week?

    June 24, 2009 09:19 am at 9:19 am |
  130. drew

    Who paid for it? Tax-payers or Business Lobbies? Who did he meet there? What was he talking to them about? Why did he need to be completely alone? This REEKS of corruption!

    June 24, 2009 09:20 am at 9:20 am |
  131. GOP 'gone missing' and lots of other cliches that fit

    first the GOP 'take a hike'

    then the GOP have 'gone south'

    can't be sure where GOP 'have gone'

    Gov. Mark Sanford you are the GOP and the best of it

    I hope you had fun, down with the GOP and up with the independants

    June 24, 2009 09:20 am at 9:20 am |
  132. The Party of NO is only “pro-life” to save a zygote now, so it can then kill the “babies” 18 years later as soldiers in an elective religious war.

    This more bizarre by the day!

    He can forget any presidential aspirations, with all the lies and deceit he and his staff have been dishing out the last week. It is very irresponsible for an elected official such as a governor to leave the country without notifying the Lt. Governor he needs to step in. "Get out of the bubble"??
    What does he think living in the White House would be like??

    Conference with North Korea over missiles and this clown would take a week off to disappear??

    Perhaps, the citizens of S.C. do not mind an AWOL governor, but this citizen would mind an AWOL president for a week.

    This man should not be anywhere near the WH other than as a guest!

    June 24, 2009 09:20 am at 9:20 am |
  133. I dont Lie!

    This sounds like a little kid who gets caught in a lie. So he makes a bigger one to cover the first one. The GOP thinks we are all stupid. I am waiting for the REAL truth to be told.

    June 24, 2009 09:20 am at 9:20 am |
  134. Brett

    This is not vacation time in Buenos Aires. It is like 50 degrees down there. It is far from over. Gov. Sanford and his entire administrators are known to be incompetent, but now they are lying incompetents.

    June 24, 2009 09:20 am at 9:20 am |
  135. matt

    I'll admit that this seems odd. However, the only South Carolinians saying Sanford is a terrible governor are the same left wing fanatics that make comments on here such as "what a lousy person" and "right-wing nutjob" – and of course mixing every Christian in with any shortcoming of any Christian – without knowing all the facts. He's actually been a good governor and I think his stand on the stimulus money was a solid, anti-socialist position. But I don't pretend to know why he ran off to SA without telling his wife – I'll give y'all that.

    June 24, 2009 09:21 am at 9:21 am |
  136. Minnesotan

    What is up with Republicans these days? This guy just disappears, has his staff say that he's hiking the Appalachian trail, ends up in Argentina and then refuses to say why he went or what he was doing there. This is SO typical of Republican behavior and ideology.... and stupidity.

    June 24, 2009 09:21 am at 9:21 am |
  137. JohnNYC

    The fact that this is news is pathetic. A governor takes a trip to get away, doesn't tell anyone so as to avoid the press, and everyone freaks out. I think people are more pissed that they weren't in the know so they have to make something out of nothing. Maybe he has a mistress in Argentina, but that's none of the public's business, just like it was none of the public's business when prosecutors asked Clinton about his relationship with you know who. [yawn] CNN should try a little harder than this, there are more newsworthy topics than this.

    June 24, 2009 09:21 am at 9:21 am |
  138. Sabrina

    Lies, lies, lies...they're going to get you!

    Didn't your mother ever teach you that if you tell one lie – you have to tell another one to cover the first one.

    My advice to you is to write your lies...errr...explanations down to keep them straight.

    June 24, 2009 09:21 am at 9:21 am |
  139. Lolita in AL

    There is something really wrong when a governor disappears into thin air in another country, in a post 911 world, and doesn't let his wife know that he left and where he is going- and she has his children on Father's Day weekend. WTH? With all the secrecy and mystery, hope the media wears this story out getting to the truth. Hopefully the National Enquirer won't beat true journalists to the punch( Hey, hey got John Edwards...LOL) ALL THIS FROM THE GUY WHO DIDN'T WANT THE STIMULS MONEY TO FIX DELAPIDATED SCHOOL BUILDINGS IN HIS STATE.

    June 24, 2009 09:21 am at 9:21 am |
  140. southerncousin

    It is not a big story, just something to get the libs clucking like a flock of chickens. It was funny on yesterdays story about John Ensign, one of the avid contributors said something about "another hyocritical republican apologizing." That's so true, they apologize and resign, unlike the libs who don't have the decency to apologize and then blame someone else for their wrongdoing ala Kennedy, Rangel and Jefferson.

    June 24, 2009 09:21 am at 9:21 am |
  141. Bsitz

    I see this truning into a Mcgreevey thing.......

    June 24, 2009 09:22 am at 9:22 am |
  142. JPinNC

    LOL. It's good to be king.

    June 24, 2009 09:22 am at 9:22 am |
  143. singe

    There seems to be some sort of contest going on among Republican leaders. They should have the decency to publish the entry criteria and rules so we could follow along.

    June 24, 2009 09:22 am at 9:22 am |
  144. Mark

    Much a do about nothing. If a democratic governor did this, which I'm sure many have, it would be a non-issue.

    June 24, 2009 09:22 am at 9:22 am |
  145. frank

    a completly fabricated story by liberals...
    this is what they do best.....atempt to destroy (like they are doing with palin)
    what an embarrasment for these liberal/dem loons!!!!!

    most comments on this are the product of REAL Lib nut jobs without a brain

    June 24, 2009 09:22 am at 9:22 am |
  146. etta

    Maybe he is suffering from early stages of Altzheimers. He needs to see a Doctor.

    June 24, 2009 09:22 am at 9:22 am |
  147. Chipster

    I'm still trying to figure out why this is a huge crisis and any sort of story of interest. Was this a slow news week? What happened that was newsworthy. Was SC invaded by TN while Sanford took a break? Do we need to send troops or negotiators to Columbia, SC? Somebody contact the UN quickly!

    Good grief!

    June 24, 2009 09:22 am at 9:22 am |
  148. Paulie

    I am a SC resident for 12 years and this guy is a joke! Our state is in dire straits. Almost the worst education system in the nation, 2nd worse unemployment rates and Mark Sanford is our governor! He didnt want the stimulus money because he would have to use part of it to pay teachers!!! South Carolina...where our governor thinks literacy should be optional and family values means abandoning your children on Fathers Day!! Time to Retire Mark....your stimulus gamble to be the GOP frontrunner failed...and you sir are a vile example of government in action!

    June 24, 2009 09:23 am at 9:23 am |
  149. abraxis

    The idiot came back to the village, that's all. He met W down there. Leave the idiots alone. It's too bad that South Carolinians elected him governor. That's there problem.

    June 24, 2009 09:23 am at 9:23 am |
  150. Sniffit

    he should have just done a golf outing like dear leader

    June 24, 2009 09:23 am at 9:23 am |
  151. karina

    I'd love to know what his wife really knew or what she really thinks about this whole ordeal. She's a better woman than me if she just forgives him for not telling her that he left the country!! I think there is alot more to this story and I hope it all surfaces soon. He sounds like a nut and a total jerk!! But I think alot of people felt that way with his refusal of the stimulus money.

    June 24, 2009 09:23 am at 9:23 am |
  152. Wife did not know where he went

    Sanford and that GOP senator from Nevada got together, didn't they?

    June 24, 2009 09:23 am at 9:23 am |
  153. beelzebub55er

    Another right-wing moral trooper from the Independent and Sovereign Nation of South Carolina. Used to live there, now I don't even FLY OVER IT. Those people don't get it. Even if they throw out this bum, they'll just replace him with someone equally as incompetent from FARTHER right. Oy!!

    June 24, 2009 09:24 am at 9:24 am |
  154. John

    I smell blood in the water. Let the feeding frenzy begin.

    I mean it is completely normal to think maybe I will go hiking and then take a left turn,ditch the hiking equipment, drive more than 200 miles, and get on the next available flight out of the country without telling a soul.

    Let's start a pool. Check Block A if you believe the real story is a lover (male or female). Check Block B if you believe the real story is financial corruption. Check Block C if you think it is even more wierd than this.

    June 24, 2009 09:24 am at 9:24 am |
  155. New Day

    Wow, I have gone out driving and gotten lost in the past but, I have never ended up on another continent. :-D

    It's kinda a non-story, other than our insatiable apetite for weird stories.

    June 24, 2009 09:24 am at 9:24 am |
  156. Roxanne in SC

    I live in Greenville, SC and I am embarrased and appalled that this is the guy that was elected to represent this state. I didn't vote for him and I don't like his policies or agendas but this takes the cake. There is so much more than meets the eye in this story and I am sure that it will unfold slowly and painfully. I totally understand the need to unwind and recharge but not telling your second in command or your wife is extra fishy. Also, the fact that your wife didn't cover for you seemed like their is friction in your marriage. If it were my husband, I wouldn't have told anyone that I didn't know where you were because I know people would speculate. I'm telling you, we will find out more.....

    June 24, 2009 09:24 am at 9:24 am |
  157. Sniffit

    Wow...cuckoo cuckoo...sounds like someone might need some therapy. I hope his insurer doesn't rescind his insurance contract...after all, being a Republican might arguably be considered a pre-existing mental disease lol :-)

    June 24, 2009 09:24 am at 9:24 am |
  158. Brent

    Maybe he started cooking meth on the side to make up for rejecting the stimulus money.

    June 24, 2009 09:24 am at 9:24 am |
  159. Roxanne in SC

    I live in Greenville, SC and I am embarrased and appalled that this is the guy that was elected to represent this state. I didn't vote for him and I don't like his policies or agendas but this takes the cake. There is so much more than meets the eye in this story and I am sure that it will unfold slowly and painfully. I totally understand the need to unwind and recharge but not telling your second in command or your wife is extra fishy. Also, the fact that your wife didn't cover for you seemed like their is friction in your marriage. If it were my husband, I wouldn't have told anyone that I didn't know where you were because I know people would speculate.

    June 24, 2009 09:24 am at 9:24 am |
  160. Dave the truthteller

    Ha Ha, Lib monkeys, if BO had done this you would be praising him for getting away and clearing his mind. Lib monkeys are soooo predictable.

    June 24, 2009 09:24 am at 9:24 am |
  161. Hobart

    Sanford is a moron and an embarrassment to S.C.-He was actually in Myrtle Beach with another moron-Mayor John Rhodes. They were discussing more ways to keep tourists OUT while riding their Suzuki crotch rockets without helmets in the city limits of Myrtle Beach.

    June 24, 2009 09:25 am at 9:25 am |
  162. Jay

    Wow, I feel sorry for the people of South Carolina. For your own sake, impeach this psycho ASAP. Who knows what he'll do next.

    June 24, 2009 09:25 am at 9:25 am |
  163. Mikw

    I love this guy. Finally a man who doesn't ask or need permission from the press or anybody else to take a few days off.

    June 24, 2009 09:26 am at 9:26 am |
  164. pam Eugene OR

    He can kiss 2012 good bye. There is no excuse good enough to justify leaving his family on Fathers Day and not telling his staff he would be out of the country. There is much more to this than we know now. Everyone has a right to time away but this is not the way to take it unless you have something to hide.
    What are you hiding Sanford?????

    June 24, 2009 09:26 am at 9:26 am |
  165. Palmetto Bug State

    "Some people out there in our nation don’t have maps" ring a bell? Anyone know where Lauren Upton was during all this? She could have been his navigator!

    Impeach.

    June 24, 2009 09:26 am at 9:26 am |
  166. Mike

    Why does he has to lie to the people of SC and his own family? There is something very wrong with this guy and doesn't deserve to be a governer!

    June 24, 2009 09:26 am at 9:26 am |
  167. Faithful

    One time my ex husband told me he was going to the corner store to
    get cigarettes he came back a week later??? He was really with
    some one else.( woman) I am not saying that the governor was with another woman. I have become suspect of husbands that vanish into mountain air. ooppss I mean Argentina. ooppss I mean the corner
    store. FAITHFUL HONEST HUSBANDS DONOT BEHAVE IN THIS MANNER. remember what ever you do in the DARK will come to LIGHT. Be patient all the truth will be known shortly.

    June 24, 2009 09:27 am at 9:27 am |
  168. Rachel Sears

    This is just bizarre. I can understand going for a walk to clear your head or even going to the family cabin to clear your head for a day, but to leave the country for 5 days and not tell your wife or your staff? And then to go to Buenes Aires of all places? There's some funny business going on here.

    June 24, 2009 09:27 am at 9:27 am |
  169. Kellie in Fort Worth

    Seriously? Really – I mean, come on!

    How long before the GOP has another bimbo eruption on their hands, and poor Mrs. Sanford is dragged out to stand behind her idiot husband with a plasticine smile on her face for the cameras while he confesses his infidelity – or worse? This isn't the end of this story.

    The family values crowd needs to GET SOME.

    June 24, 2009 09:27 am at 9:27 am |
  170. brian

    he's searching the world for Obama's birth certificate...

    June 24, 2009 09:27 am at 9:27 am |
  171. Beeker25

    The story changing of where he went is typical of the GOP. When get caught, put out some more lies then confess the truth. No wonder people of SC don't like him.

    June 24, 2009 09:27 am at 9:27 am |
  172. Dan

    I'm not sure which is stranger: the fact that he left without informing his wife or government officials and that his children didn't know where he was on father's day, or that he seemed clueless that people might think it was weird.

    There is more to this story.

    June 24, 2009 09:27 am at 9:27 am |
  173. Greg

    You people are the insane ones. If this was another one of the unending streak of liberal politicians who pull strange stunts you would be defending him at all costs.

    I happen to agree with most of you that it was an incredibly stupid and irresponsible thing to do, but seriously... you guys need to step off your high horses or at least apply the same standard to those who represent your political views in government.

    Amazing that you would jump to the "ooooh he must be cheating... what a scum bag" argument... like it's SUCH a political career ender, yet you brush off Clinton's oval "oral" office antics like it's no big deal.

    June 24, 2009 09:27 am at 9:27 am |
  174. New Day

    Hey JT, there are other things to do in Argentina other than sleeping with women. Maybe he craved a soccer riot, or a theatrical show in a language he doesn't understand.

    June 24, 2009 09:28 am at 9:28 am |
  175. Michael Newman

    Gov Sanford has just about the worst judgement of any elected official in the USA.... just amazing!.... And, what about his committment to "family values"; abandoning his wife and four young sons on Father's Day!

    June 24, 2009 09:28 am at 9:28 am |
  176. Woeful

    ...and who did Governor Sanford rendevous with in Argentina? Hmmmm. This is very suspicious to say the least and I am sure is not going to be over anytime soon.

    June 24, 2009 09:28 am at 9:28 am |
  177. Connor

    How irresponsible, and hugely self-centered. Another narcistic GOP wonder boy. He shouldn't be in office.

    June 24, 2009 09:28 am at 9:28 am |
  178. Proud Father

    Ok, so he left his family, forget about coworkers, but his family and kids on Father's Day and didn't tell them where he was....

    And he went to Argentina for 5 days???

    This gives new meaning to absentee father..

    June 24, 2009 09:28 am at 9:28 am |
  179. Hugo

    Good for you Governor! Where were all these CNN libs when Nancy Pelosi took her Italian vacation on the taxpayer dime? This guy is trying to do the fiscally responsible thing, not take tax dollars they don't need. If the posters on CNN had a clue they would understand the world of financial hurt coming due to the tsunami wave of wreckless spending by this Administration!

    June 24, 2009 09:29 am at 9:29 am |
  180. Nelson Colorado Springs Co.

    Good man, Gov. Mark Sanford everybody need a stress break. Like the govenor said" "I would get out of the bubble I am in. A Man need time to himself. It called me time, every man should do this

    June 24, 2009 09:29 am at 9:29 am |
  181. NC=Blue in 2008

    What would he do when things got tough for him if her were President. He can kiss any potential presidential bid goodbye (and maybe his gubernatorial re-election as well)

    June 24, 2009 09:29 am at 9:29 am |
  182. slkwly

    Wow...this just keeps getting better and better...is it a new reality show?

    No wonder why I left SC 20 years ago-if you stay too long you start exhibiting this type of wierd behavior–weird even by SC standards (which aren't that high to begin with)....

    June 24, 2009 09:30 am at 9:30 am |
  183. Steven in Charleston

    I don't care that he took a bit of time off - everyone needs it.

    And, I don't care that he didn't tell his wife, or deprived his kids of being with him (or even talking to him) on Father's Day - that's between him and them.

    But I ~do~ care that my Governor was unreachable by the government in the event of an emergency;

    And I ~do~ care that, as a public officlal, he put himself in harm's way by shrugging off his protection detail;

    And I ~do~ care that his staff lied about it. Don't want to tell us where he is or that you didn't know where he was? Fine. But don't say he was one place and then admit to being another only after a reporter spots your car at the airport.

    June 24, 2009 09:30 am at 9:30 am |
  184. AG

    If this were a Democrat, the right-wing idiots like Limbaugh would be all over him, talking about "another liberal spending goverment money..." "another democrat acting strangely"...Let me get this straight, the GOVERNOR of a STATE goes missing, doesn't tell his security detail or his WIFE where he is, and comes back surprised that people are curious as to just where he's been? This guy should be impeached. Period. I guess if South Carolina had an emergency when he was gone, they could have reached him at,,,,, wait...no they couldn't. They didn't know where he was.

    June 24, 2009 09:31 am at 9:31 am |
  185. Rodney

    Amazing how many of you liberial posters think he was with a woman, but then again it runs in your blood so it would not be unusal for your class of people. At least he wasn't off busy spending trillions of dollars that didn't belong to him and flying to NY while Rome collapses.

    June 24, 2009 09:31 am at 9:31 am |
  186. Andrew

    Is this a big surprise... you know the Nazi's also took flight to Argentina. High coinsidence? No, high fact!!!

    June 24, 2009 09:31 am at 9:31 am |
  187. LB

    And he was surprised that the story was drawing media attention. Lets see. Gov of a state gone, no one knows where he is, Lt. Gov doesn't know, wife and kids don't know, staff isn't talking. Naw, nothing suspicious. Who's running the store. No one knows. Why would this draw media attention. And this guy is considered a potential canidate for the 2012 presidential election. I can see it. North Korea starts acting up again and he decides to take off and not tell anybody. If he doesn't like being in the bubble now it would be 100 times worse in the white house.

    June 24, 2009 09:31 am at 9:31 am |
  188. Patti Blago's replacement?

    Sanford just "tripped" himself out of the lineup of the GOP's possible presidential contenders.

    True, in the past the electorate did give a half-hearted okay to installing into the executive branch someone super-secretive = Cheney.

    But someone super-secretive AND ERRATIC,??? with 5 day getaways to parts unknown??? and then being surpised at others' concerns??? He's completely untrustworthy.

    Further, Sanford could never be trusted to be able to withstand the pressures of living in the much more intense "bubble" and spotlight that come with the chief White House jobs.

    Better that he start farming himself out now for jungle adventures on a reality show.

    June 24, 2009 09:31 am at 9:31 am |
  189. Scott B

    Can we say wierd ? This is the southern veriion of the twilight zone. Thank god I am not from or living in South Carolina. I would impeach him for direct derelict of his duties. Sounds like the wanna be prez candidate snuck away for an affair. Come on we are not that ignorant. His family didn't know what he was doing ? Way too fishy i think.

    June 24, 2009 09:32 am at 9:32 am |
  190. Charlie

    Perhaps he wanted to be left ALONE for a while. In other words a genuine vacation.

    June 24, 2009 09:32 am at 9:32 am |
  191. Artemisios

    Going off on a whim to a foreign country after a period of stress is actually quite typical of bipolar behavior. The changing stories and justifications simply serve to confirm that. He needs help, but we do not need him as a leader.

    June 24, 2009 09:32 am at 9:32 am |
  192. Dawn in Pa

    Mmm, on his dime or the taxpayers dime, now that is what the South Carolinians should ask. Going Argentina, now what is in Argentina?

    If it was a Democratic Governor, the right wingnuts would be calling for an Impeachment. If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
    If he is looking toward 2012, my advice would be grow-up, and smell the coffee... YOU ARE NOT READY FOR PRIME TIME....

    June 24, 2009 09:32 am at 9:32 am |
  193. Sam

    As a Republican, I must say that Sanford has just taken himself out of contention for 2012. Not even telling your wife you're leaving the country for a hiatus? This guy is NOT presidential material. There's more to this story than just a governor's desire to escape from the bubble.

    June 24, 2009 09:33 am at 9:33 am |
  194. MikeinNC

    Please stop turning this into a partisan issue. It is laughable to see pro-Democrats assail this guy and pro-Republicans try to make it out as no big deal – all of you are hypocrites because if he was a Democrat your reactions would complete reverse.

    I am not begrudging anyone (regardless of party affiliation) of the opportunity to get away and have some private time....but leaving the country without telling your family or someone on your staff where you are going? That is bizarre behavior. We definitely have not heard the end of this story. Stay tuned for more wacky tomfoolery and zany shenanigans from the office of the governor of SC.

    June 24, 2009 09:33 am at 9:33 am |
  195. tm

    There is more to his story. He didn't just go on a "walk about". I would bet that his "walk about" has a name

    June 24, 2009 09:33 am at 9:33 am |
  196. Bill

    It was stated in previous stories that his own funds were used, get your facts straight lefties.

    June 24, 2009 09:33 am at 9:33 am |
  197. Mel of Alexandria

    May be he has something to hide, right wing-nut.

    June 24, 2009 09:33 am at 9:33 am |
  198. Barry

    I would think he would have more explaining to do to his wife, than to the media.

    June 24, 2009 09:34 am at 9:34 am |
  199. Kevin

    ARGENTINA- Oh man ...this guy needs to go back to work.....SC is in very bad shape and he can take a $40,000 vacation

    June 24, 2009 09:34 am at 9:34 am |
  200. sky

    My gawd people....can't the guy take a vacation without you all tracking down his car and his whereabouts.....that is EXACTLY why he has to keep it a secret....so he can have a bit of peace and quiet......you guys are ridiculous.

    June 24, 2009 09:34 am at 9:34 am |
  201. Ted

    OK, this is a little strange but some of you people are way over the top on this. A right wing nut job? What does that have to do with this? Something somehow related with the so-called "religious right"? Come on people, get a grip.

    However, I will say this effectively ends his political career.

    June 24, 2009 09:35 am at 9:35 am |
  202. Jon

    Oh, yeah. This is completely normal behavior.

    Absolutely.

    And he refused stimulus money, too.

    Perfect. What does he care about the people in his state when he can just fly off to Argentina, without his wife?

    A week without another nutcase Republican antic is like a day without sunshine.

    June 24, 2009 09:35 am at 9:35 am |
  203. ronvan

    Maybe he just had to "get away", relax & do some "attitude adjustment". But to do this & not tell anyone smells of something else!

    June 24, 2009 09:36 am at 9:36 am |
  204. Linda in Maryland

    Too bizarre! By law, isn't he supposed to tell the lieutenant governor? Not to mention his family? Can't he be impeached for this action? But wait–it's South Carolina!!

    June 24, 2009 09:36 am at 9:36 am |
  205. Jason

    His wife didn't even know where he went. Niiiice. I have to say for a person in his position that jetting to Argentina without telling anybody is pretty irresponsible. Ranks pretty high on the idiot scale. I hope they remove him from office. He can join the ranks of his state's unemployed because he obviously does not care enough about his job.

    June 24, 2009 09:36 am at 9:36 am |
  206. Joel

    I am quite frigthened about this unfolding drama. The Chief of Staff obviously knew where he was and decided to lie to the people of the State. He should be repreminded for this. Secondly, his wife appeared not to know his whereabout. This is surprising. Even if he wanted to get away from the bubble of office was he also trying to get away from the bubble of his marriage? Something tells me his marriage is heading for the burst

    June 24, 2009 09:36 am at 9:36 am |
  207. jwn in south carolina

    What a duffus!

    June 24, 2009 09:36 am at 9:36 am |
  208. Jerry

    Another Republican odd ball. What a whacked out party....

    June 24, 2009 09:37 am at 9:37 am |
  209. Andrew

    It's not "unusual" for him to take off for Argentina without telling his wife? That's interesting.

    June 24, 2009 09:37 am at 9:37 am |
  210. Laura

    This would be irresponsible behavior for any governor. But when most of your state wishes harm on you, it becomes even more irresponsible.

    June 24, 2009 09:37 am at 9:37 am |
  211. ueheinz

    For his next excursion, I'm willing to buy Sanford a one-way ticket to Alaska!

    June 24, 2009 09:37 am at 9:37 am |
  212. Peter

    Too bad he wasn't hiking – on a one way hike across the Bridge to Nowhere. This guy is a nutcase.

    June 24, 2009 09:37 am at 9:37 am |
  213. Jason

    Maybe he went to Argentina to meet Nazis!!! Scandal!!!

    June 24, 2009 09:38 am at 9:38 am |
  214. Randolph Carter

    He "wanted to do something exotic." I hope she was worth it. What a dork. Have a nice day!

    June 24, 2009 09:38 am at 9:38 am |
  215. Sue Woo

    OK, As an SC citizen, I can tell you that not only does our Governor live in a nice mansion, he owns one on the oceanfront at Sullivan's Island and has some farm somewhere. He didn't need to go to ANOTHER HEMISPHERE to get away from his kids on Father's Day. Stick a big ole fork in him.....

    June 24, 2009 09:38 am at 9:38 am |
  216. PULEEEZZZ!! lets tell some truth

    This guy was going to be who the Republican Party might run for president?? It only makes sense!! Another incompetent person in Washington, making decisions for all of us. Of course! Lets see, we can run Sarah P. as his V.P. What a great combo!

    June 24, 2009 09:38 am at 9:38 am |
  217. Molly

    The wife needs to go to the media to know where her husband is?
    What a ridiculous situation.
    I don't care about their marriage problems...
    The guy took a vacation, went to Buenos Aires to eat some real beaf so What?..Don't cry for me Argentina...

    June 24, 2009 09:39 am at 9:39 am |
  218. lia

    Who cares!?!? This is for SC to take care of.

    9.4% Unemployment! FOCUS!

    June 24, 2009 09:39 am at 9:39 am |
  219. Gordon

    Now the Republicans can say that the Dems had him kidnapped; it
    would certainly typify their brand of truth.

    June 24, 2009 09:39 am at 9:39 am |
  220. jim from S.C.

    Sanford needs to resign, he's done a horrible job in this state and he's not mentally stable to handle pressure especially losing a court battle from a 12 year old of the stimulus money that needs to fix the education system and build jobs. man what a pathetic sore loser Sanford is. make matters worse he left the country during the most precious time to be with his kids during Fathers Day. just pathetic!!

    June 24, 2009 09:40 am at 9:40 am |
  221. Jim M

    Sanford did not have to run for public office. When you choose to do so, you lose a little bit of your freedom. However, it was his choice to become Governor. With power comes responsibility. I think his mental stability and credibility has to be questioned. Plus, what Dad flees to Argentina over Father's Day without the family? This stinks really bad.

    Needless to say, I think you can cross this fool off the list in 2012.

    June 24, 2009 09:40 am at 9:40 am |
  222. Ohio Man

    hmmm as the repubs would say about Obama.. was this exotic getaway on TAX payers money or did you take ur money right of the top of the stimulus money to take such a trip ??????

    June 24, 2009 09:40 am at 9:40 am |
  223. Classy 57

    I don't think that as a non-resident of South Carolina it's any of my business where he went. And I think it's obscene of his wife to make any comments whatsoever to CNN or any one else! if the voters of South Carolina are unhappy with their governor, let them make that clear at the next gubernatorial election.

    June 24, 2009 09:41 am at 9:41 am |
  224. Ben in NM

    He is supposed to be from the party that supports FAMILY VALUES???

    June 24, 2009 09:41 am at 9:41 am |
  225. dee

    maybe he had to go to Argentina to have a great smoke out with the good ole stuff from South AMerica, If so, he did not need his security detail to know this................or his office, nor his wife. C'mon people of SC how stupid are we!!!!!!!!!!!

    June 24, 2009 09:41 am at 9:41 am |
  226. TS in IL

    sounds like someone hit up rehab outside the country.

    June 24, 2009 09:43 am at 9:43 am |
  227. Whitney

    i live here in columbia, sc and i am MORE than ashamed of the fact he is our Gov. He has been so irresponsible and uncaring of the people of SC i would not be hurt if he decided to quit right now.

    How do you leave your job, you family, and the citizens of your state to go run off somewhere? He was not just going to clear his head, there is so much more to this story that we dont know, im almost afraid to see what all actually comes out....

    June 24, 2009 09:43 am at 9:43 am |
  228. Honestly!!!!!!

    Help me grow....WHY is this news?????

    June 24, 2009 09:43 am at 9:43 am |
  229. Dutch/Bad Newz, VA

    I smell a scandal.

    June 24, 2009 09:43 am at 9:43 am |
  230. Fed Up

    I hope someone truly investigates this story. This is a big lie and anyone with any sense knows that. Please give him a drug test...............this is a crack head move!

    June 24, 2009 09:44 am at 9:44 am |
  231. david

    disappearing on the public, understandable. disappearing on his wife and family, not understandable. the man is hiding something and probably another woman most likely. no man disappears unless they have something to hide. disappears, meaning absolutely no one knows where one has gone. anyone, with half a brain, knows to always leave a trail, memo of destination in the event one disappears without a trace. an elected politician should know to do that more than an average citizen. the man is hiding something. his wife and family mean nothing to this man. some republican!

    June 24, 2009 09:44 am at 9:44 am |
  232. Kate in ATL

    My guess is that he had a taste for some "exotic" women or maybe even men...who knows?

    June 24, 2009 09:44 am at 9:44 am |
  233. Mary

    Guess he can do what he wants in his personal life as long as he and his wife agree, but if I had four children, I as a wife would not ever stand for this. Further, the poor citizens of SC are being very poorly treated. He sounds unstable to me...so much for 2012.

    June 24, 2009 09:44 am at 9:44 am |
  234. Lee from Maine

    Can you say "impeachment?"

    June 24, 2009 09:45 am at 9:45 am |
  235. johnny b.

    this guy is a throwback to the flower children of the sixties, not that there is anything wrong with that. Next stop San Francisco with flowers in his hair....he definetly rocks......

    June 24, 2009 09:45 am at 9:45 am |
  236. Raymond Burgoon-Clark

    And this dude wants to run for POTUS??!!

    I don't THINK so!

    He's an unstable FLAKE!

    June 24, 2009 09:45 am at 9:45 am |
  237. Mike

    Why would anyone sneek out without telling his wife and go to one of the world's most romantic citiesalone?

    We haven't heard the whole story yet!!!

    June 24, 2009 09:45 am at 9:45 am |
  238. Henry Miller

    Cool. Everyone needs to break out of their bubble every once in a while.

    The truly sad thing is the reaction of all you stick-in-the-mud drones who think Governor Sanford has, somehow, done something wrong. I guess it's one of those depressing human-nature things wherein people condemn any activity of others even slightly out of the most boring of ordinary.

    Get over it, sheeple! Grow a spine. See if you can find some faint, flickering, traces of imagination and initiative in your pointless lives. And if you can't, then just shut up about people who have more going for them than you do, something that's obviously not hard to achieve.

    June 24, 2009 09:46 am at 9:46 am |
  239. SK2 DELAWARE

    How do you take a trip to a foreign country, on Father's Day, and not tell your wife ???? Anyone who is married knows that you can't do that. Could you imagine if the President took a "vacation" without telling the First Lady, VP Biden, or the Joint Chief of Staff. Something fishy is going on with this guy. Dig deep CNN. Let the truth be told.

    June 24, 2009 09:46 am at 9:46 am |
  240. Gravitas

    hmmm, its just a matter of time before the real deal surfaces. I am willing to bet this story gets more interesting. Go republicans. I knew there was more this story.
    Party of family values, you are really leading by example. you are in a different country. your own wife doesn't know where you are. you are absent on father's day.
    Does any one know what young boys are going for these days in Argentina?

    June 24, 2009 09:47 am at 9:47 am |
  241. Marsha in Greenville, SC

    What ever happened to "innocent until proven guilty" in the country??!!! As Mrs. Sanford said yesterday "Leave us to our privacy". The governor has been working triple time doing what HE FEELS is best for our great State. Not everyone agrees with him (personally, I do agree with him), but he has done his very best to present his case, and we can't fault him for that. Please do not crucify this man until we know the whole story. His staff may have lied about his whereabouts but perhaps there is something deeper here that we do not know about. Let's give him a chance to come clean before we convict him as a villian.

    June 24, 2009 09:47 am at 9:47 am |
  242. Diana

    How soon can he be impeached?!?!?!?! I know that South Carolina can do better.

    June 24, 2009 09:47 am at 9:47 am |
  243. Nathan,

    He didn't want to take any stimulus here so he went to Argentina to get some stimulus. What a creep.

    GOP ticket in 2012: Sanford/Ensign

    PS: Where was Palin???????? The old one.

    June 24, 2009 09:48 am at 9:48 am |
  244. Fed up in SC

    One more thing it really makes me wonder if President Obama even cares what it going on here in SC with this kind of foolishness. It took a little girl to open up Pandora's box before anything would be done about our school system. This man has been the governor for the past 7 years and has done nothing but run our state in the ground. We were in a recession down here long before the rest of the country was. Mr. President what do you have to say about this. This is the man that will be running against you in 2012.

    CNN I hope you post this!!!!!

    June 24, 2009 09:48 am at 9:48 am |
  245. CM

    If this guy has to "get away for a bit" after "fighting" with the South Carolina legislative assembly, what will he do as POTUS after really fighting with the big dogs in Congress??

    This shows he is too pansy to be president.

    June 24, 2009 09:48 am at 9:48 am |
  246. sifto77

    give it a rest, libs–you only know the story the media is telling..talk about repubs jumping to conclusions–you libs take the cake for hateful remarks. What did you all need him for, anyway?

    June 24, 2009 09:48 am at 9:48 am |
  247. erika

    This man is s GOVERNOR of a STATE and left the COUNTRY without telling anyone, not even his wife. If I left work a half day early without telling anyone that's a reason to be fired... South Carolinians need to handle there business and say, YOU ARE FIRED. HE is a perfect example of ab idiot.

    June 24, 2009 09:49 am at 9:49 am |
  248. Matt Easton

    This guy is interesting. On one hand he quotes the bible, talks about a need for higher morals and ethics in the GOP party, and less government spending. On the other hand, one has to ask the question: who were you with in Buenos Aires, what naughty things were you up to, and who did you or the S.C. taxpayers pay for your "break?"

    Another politician following the motto "do as I say, not as I do".

    June 24, 2009 09:51 am at 9:51 am |
  249. HSNP

    This is highly irregular. I don't know how they do things in SC, but if our Governor leaves the country, the Lt. Governor takes his place until the Gov. returns. Sanford should resign.

    June 24, 2009 09:51 am at 9:51 am |
  250. Matt Easton

    This guy is interesting. On one hand he quotes the bible, talks about a need for higher morals and ethics in the GOP party, and less government spending. On the other hand, one has to ask the question: who were you with in Buenos Aires, what naughty things were you up to, and did you or the S.C. taxpayers pay for your "break?"

    Another politician following the motto "do as I say, not as I do".

    June 24, 2009 09:51 am at 9:51 am |
  251. TDT

    It's interesting that the people who don't like the job the governor's doing now complain that he's not doing his job.

    June 24, 2009 09:52 am at 9:52 am |
  252. Marc in Virginia

    I think I would've stuck with the Appalachian Trail story.

    June 24, 2009 09:52 am at 9:52 am |
  253. ghsfhghg

    This is simply an ignorant, stubborn, right-wing jerk. Who has no clue about the life's reality other than what he thinks is right.
    Such a dumb person can only be governor of sc!!!

    June 24, 2009 09:53 am at 9:53 am |
  254. Deborah

    As a tax paying resident of South Carolina I have to wonder: who paid for the trip, car expense, gas, parking, etc. Knowing the administrtion in Columbia we might never know the truth.

    You have to admit, even his wife did not know. Makes you wonder about all th previous hikes and those long runs to "clear his head".....

    June 24, 2009 09:54 am at 9:54 am |
  255. Randolph Carter

    Fred the Moderate wrote:
    So the story has already begun to change! I've seen this before especially with the Republican religous right. It starts with a lie, goes to another lie then another until the media finds the truth and they come out with their poor wife in tow and apologize.
    It would be refreshing if for once they just tell the truth first and take their medicine. But airs must be maintained if one wishes to become the presidential candidate for the GOP

    To be fair, republicans don't have a monopoly on torrid sex scandals. There are lots of weasels in both parties. Have a nice day!

    June 24, 2009 09:54 am at 9:54 am |
  256. PT

    And he wants to lead our country?????? A kook.

    June 24, 2009 09:55 am at 9:55 am |
  257. Don Mahanna

    How long before he announces he is an alcoholic and goes into rehab?

    June 24, 2009 09:55 am at 9:55 am |
  258. MBFLA

    Sounds as if there are a lot of questions not being answered very truthfully in this situation. I wouldn't want this character to be responsible for my state much less the country. It is hurricane season in the Carolinas just like it is in Florida and nobody was in charge – not too swift!

    June 24, 2009 09:56 am at 9:56 am |
  259. Mississippi Mike

    Wow, he had the nerve to take a few days off and his staffers got their story wrong. I smell a federal investigation brewing.

    June 24, 2009 09:56 am at 9:56 am |
  260. Jose

    This guy was not "out of pocket", he was "out of socket".

    June 24, 2009 09:56 am at 9:56 am |
  261. jblak

    Another member of the GOP (Gay Old Party) -nuts and flakes

    June 24, 2009 09:57 am at 9:57 am |
  262. eric in texas

    Actually, I have it on good authority that he was searching for the money that the Dems couldn't find to fund their health care bill.

    June 24, 2009 09:57 am at 9:57 am |
  263. Zoltan, Seattle WA

    Well, isn't he just Father of the year! I"m surprised he didn't take his "Family Values" with him to Thailand instead of Argentina.

    June 24, 2009 09:58 am at 9:58 am |
  264. james

    Bizzare wack-job is the only way to describe this.

    June 24, 2009 09:58 am at 9:58 am |
  265. johnrj08

    The man is truly a bizarre character. Leaves the country without even telling his wife, just to drive up the coastline of Argentina by himself? Why do I have a nagging suspicion that this isn't the whole story? Whatever political aspirations Sanford had are up in smoke.

    June 24, 2009 09:59 am at 9:59 am |
  266. jeremy.....Dallas...Texas

    Wherever there is smoke.......there is fire. There is juicy story to unearth here.

    June 24, 2009 09:59 am at 9:59 am |
  267. Abby

    Ok, so basically he left The United States without telling anyone, not even his wife and kids, on father’s day. His staff claimed that they spoke to him and that he was in the Appalachian trail which turned out to be false. Well if he had any 2012 aspirations ( lol) they are gone out the window.

    June 24, 2009 09:59 am at 9:59 am |
  268. craig from washington

    Does Argentina have extradition? I don't think they do. That's why so many war criminals went there. There's a lot more here than meets the eye.

    June 24, 2009 10:00 am at 10:00 am |
  269. Mike

    If a major crisis were to happen he was nowhere to be found. South Carolina has put Government on auto for too long.

    June 24, 2009 10:00 am at 10:00 am |
  270. Lee

    Why didn't he 'spend' his vacation money in the U.S. to help our economy if he had to get away. Say goodbye to any future running for the U.S. top job–nuts need not apply after the former Texan. When he is run out of office, hope he won't need extended unemployment benefits.

    So glad I am not a repub :-)

    June 24, 2009 10:01 am at 10:01 am |
  271. Daniel

    He probably hooked up with Larry Craig at the Airport and went out of country so he would have a smaller chance of getting caught with a teenage transvestite. Of course he cant prove what happend or didn't happen. Unless he releases his billing records and Hotel special service request. But he is to much of a coward or to guilty to show a truthful documentation.

    June 24, 2009 10:01 am at 10:01 am |
  272. Deb

    Appalachian Trail, Argentina... Maybe he meant Afghanistan? One of those words that start with an A...

    June 24, 2009 10:01 am at 10:01 am |
  273. Reinstate Darwinism

    Oh please people! Obama takes his security detail and spends tons of Taxpayer money to go on a date night. Do i have a problem with this? No. I get it he still needs liesure time and if he thinks he needs protection than let him have it.

    Sanford took a state owned vehicle to an airport and left alone to take a small vacation and people are acting like it's the end of the world. He didn't spend thousands of anyone's money but his own. Yet you're complaining about the cost?

    Sometimes it's just good to get away. Not everyone puts tons of emotion on Hallmark holidays. Maybe even that was his present from his family or maybe it's how he vents.

    June 24, 2009 10:01 am at 10:01 am |
  274. Roscot

    I'd say this gov. is in need of a shrink.

    June 24, 2009 10:03 am at 10:03 am |
  275. Andy

    Game, set, match. It's over, Gov.

    June 24, 2009 10:03 am at 10:03 am |
  276. Bob

    Who cares? He went on a holiday and all some on this board can do is spew their hatred. PATHETIC!!!! People on this board who have nothing better to do than hate, get a life.

    June 24, 2009 10:03 am at 10:03 am |
  277. Larry Kraus

    I can't believe the Republican party just seems to shoot itself in the foot week after week. I don't buy Sanford's story for one minute. there is no way I would leave the country over fathers day weekend and not either take my family or at the very least tell my wife where i was going. this is just not a believable story we are getting.

    June 24, 2009 10:03 am at 10:03 am |
  278. korkea aika

    I suspect a love affair. Poor guy, I'm with him....anything to get out of South Carolina.....but let's get real. Who drives 5 days alone along the coast of Argentina with apparently no one knowing his whereabouts?

    June 24, 2009 10:03 am at 10:03 am |
  279. Tony

    This story really does illustrate how pathetic progressives/liberals are. This is a completely innocuous and unimportant story that the crazy leftists are trying to make a big deal out of. Is there anything more pathetic than trying to smear someone over a vacation?

    June 24, 2009 10:04 am at 10:04 am |
  280. Zion

    There's something wrong here. I smell affair.

    June 24, 2009 10:04 am at 10:04 am |
  281. Just My Opinion in Texas

    Um ... mmm-Kay???

    Maybe it's the caffeine insufficiency this morning ... but does this sound REALLY fruity to ANYONE else??

    June 24, 2009 10:04 am at 10:04 am |
  282. Reinstate Darwinism

    One more thing. Did it ever occur to the media or the general public that they KNEW exactly where he was. It's just they knew he was there ALONE and it was a security risk to tell anyone?

    How can one "get away" if tehy ahve body guards and cell phones around them at all times?

    June 24, 2009 10:05 am at 10:05 am |
  283. Steve from Florida

    Another holier than thou right wing conservative probably doing the humpty dance with a fine looking senorita!

    June 24, 2009 10:05 am at 10:05 am |
  284. Steve

    This sounds an awful lot like the manic behavior of an un-medicated (possibly undiagnosed) bipolar. Extreme impulsive behavior is text-book.

    June 24, 2009 10:06 am at 10:06 am |
  285. Vanessa

    EXCUSE ME? What is going on with this guy? South Carolina, vote more carefully next time. You cannot believe anything this man says.

    June 24, 2009 10:06 am at 10:06 am |
  286. Ron In California

    Clinton didn't have to leave the Oval Office to lie.

    June 24, 2009 10:06 am at 10:06 am |
  287. MLH

    Sounds like the voters (and maybe his wife) should reconsider Mr. Sanford. Argentina is a lovely place and we all need to get away sometimes to unwind, but generally we let someone know where they can reach us.

    June 24, 2009 10:06 am at 10:06 am |
  288. Chinook

    He should run for president, every body knows him now.

    June 24, 2009 10:06 am at 10:06 am |
  289. Native NY

    Hmmmm, if I left my job for 5 days and didn't anyone where I was going or how to reach me, I wouldn't have a job to return to!

    June 24, 2009 10:06 am at 10:06 am |
  290. Real Change

    "I told them Agentina, they heard Appalachia, and boy from there everything just got all fouled up. It's no big deal though."

    June 24, 2009 10:07 am at 10:07 am |
  291. karma

    What a kook...worst thing about this is that the Lt.. governor is even more of a kook.

    June 24, 2009 10:07 am at 10:07 am |
  292. Shari, NY

    This story is getting weirder by the day. By the way the flight to Argentina from Columbia, SC is no less than 20 hours one way (including the change of plane). You mean he spent just about two days? Please pray for him!!!

    June 24, 2009 10:07 am at 10:07 am |
  293. Big John

    Was Larry Craig absent too??? Or maybe Sarah ? Something stinks.

    June 24, 2009 10:07 am at 10:07 am |
  294. Joe Terrogano

    How many Republican Presidential hopefuls that have disintegrated does this make? This is an unstable man who is covering up something. No fears of losing thew White House here.

    June 24, 2009 10:07 am at 10:07 am |
  295. Tomas E

    Something sounds fishy here. I have a feeling there is more to the story than is being told or reported.

    June 24, 2009 10:09 am at 10:09 am |
  296. George

    Cue the Twightlight Zone Theme song.

    June 24, 2009 10:10 am at 10:10 am |