COLUMBIA, South Carolina (CNN) - South Carolina Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer said Monday he would be open to a scenario in which he would assume the governorship but not run for the state's top office in 2010 if Governor Mark Sanford decides to resign in the coming weeks.
Bauer said that arrangement would help tamp down some of the political jockeying among other Republicans who are likely to run for governor next year as they decide how to respond to revelations about Sanford's extramarital affair. Other candidates include state Attorney General Henry McMaster, Rep. Gresham Barrett and state Rep. Nikki Haley.
"We are at an impasse now because it's all about 2010 and the next governor's race, and I don't see anyone being an adult," Bauer told CNN in an exclusive interview.
Bauer is one of several Republicans plotting a run for governor, but his rivals worry that a Sanford resignation – which would elevate Bauer to the governorship – might give Bauer an advantage in next year's governor's race because he would be running as an incumbent. Sanford is term limited and is not allowed to run for re-election in 2010.
He said he had discussed the idea of not running in 2010 with GOP leaders in the Senate, many of whom are staunch opponents of Sanford.
"What it would do is it would get the politics out of it," Bauer said. "The people that are so concerned for their own political future about running for governor, would no longer be worried if I came in and became governor, because I would just say. 'You know what? This is bigger than politics. I will go and lead in for the next 18 months and not run for re-election.'"
Rumors are swirling in Columbia that Bauer is working behind-the-scenes with allies in the legislature to force Sanford to resign. Bauer denied any covert efforts to oust the governor and blamed his potential rivals for stirring the pot. "It's amazing how nasty this is getting," Bauer said. "It's a black cloud over South Carolina."
Asked if he had discussed with any legislators the idea of a criminal probe against Sanford, Bauer said that he had one conversation last week with state Sen. Jake Knotts - a Bauer ally - in which Knotts mentioned the possibility of an investigation.
Last Friday, Knotts called for a state law enforcement investigation into Sanford's overseas trip. Bauer said Knotts' demand is "a reasonable request" and said there are "people out there who want answers."
Bauer also pointed out that Attorney General McMaster – one of Bauer's potential gubernatorial rivals – has, in the past, chosen to investigate elected officials. McMaster issued a cautious statement last week, however, saying that an investigation into Sanford may not be warranted.
The New York Times reported Monday that Chris LaCivita, a consultant to Bauer, had e-mailed another GOP consultant asking him to pressure fellow Republicans to help push Sanford out. Bauer said he had not seen the e-mail.
"I have tried to stay about the fray in this," he said. "I have tried to conduct myself as southern gentleman."
Bauer said he had spoken to Sanford by phone a couple days ago. "He told me he thought he would be a better man because of this," Bauer said of his conversation with Sanford.
UPDATE: Rivals to Bauer point out that this isn't the first time he has promised to avoid future campaigning. In 2006, Bauer promised The Greenville News that if were to win re-election in that year's campaign for Lieutenant Governor, he would not seek the governorship in 2010.
From CNN Politics
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Sanford betrayed his wife. Sounds as if political opportunists are willing to betray anyone for a shot at the governor's office.
That's big of him.
May God have mercy on each one of us !
True leadership.......Lt. Gov. Bauer is willing to put the people of S.C. ahead of his own political aspirations – very admirable!
I don't condone adultrey or homosexual activities since both are directly against God's instruction and are clearly sins. It is interesting to see how the sin of homosexuality is accepted while the sin of adultrey is not accepted. God didn't make a man or woman to have the desire to have an alduterous affair any more than God made a man or woman to have sexual desires for one of the same sex.
Both are choices. Sanford made a poor choice just as many have. Are we to help those that make poor choices or are we to throw them to the curb. Lets help the homosexuals and also the adulterers see that their ways are sinful and correctable.
Wow, a Republican with a brain. I'm shocked. Pity there aren't more of them. And I have to say its about time someone said in a roundabout way that they're all behaving like children.
Andre Bauer sure sounds the the quality of person we need as Gov. I sure hope he runs in 2010 – he has my vote.
"I'll glady pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today" Bauer = the South Carolina Wimpy.
Is Bauer being the 'bigger' person in all this, or is it just more political posturing?
Oh what a tangled web we weave.................
I don't understand why a "compromise" would need to be reached. If the governor resigned, would'nt the Lt. Gov. automatically step in? Why would the Lt. Gov., then, have to promise not to run in the Gov. election of 2010? I'm confused by the issue, and the story.
I think this is a good idea. Sanford won't be able to govern efficiently (it doesn't sound like he was being one in the first place) from the deep hole he's dug himself into.
Wow,they are lining up fast to see who the new bagman is for the company owned State of S.C.Is.
That sounds like a plan to me. Just because Gov. Sanford admitted to an affair does not excuse what he did. He has enought on his plate to try and get his homelife corrected if possible than try to lead our state. his morals have not changed therefore he is still a very boig dissapointment. He and Edwards are birds of a feather. They have the mindset to be imoral and that runs over to doing imoral things as a governor.
Compromise? Bauer would become Gov if Sanford resigns no matter what. He then would run as an incumbent. We had that in CA with Swatzenegger and what we have now is California about to tank.
Once again did Bill Clinton resign when he Cheated on his wife numerous times and flat out lied to the American Public????? No he didnt so leave him alone.
Whaddya know, someone with a voice of reason. No wonder he wants to get out of politics.
we have a Gov. cheating on his wife and everyone is up in arms, but we have Dodd, Frank, Rangel and Pelosi cheating on America and everything is fine.
Don't do it Bauer, you did nothing wrong, why should you be held to 18 months because of his bad judgement? He should step down because of how bad he handled the affair. Don't bargen with him.
Andre Bauer is actually sounding like a good guy in this mess. He must not know how to play politics in which you say one thing and do another, telling all who listen that his remarks were taken out of context, twisted and otherwide perverted for political reasons.
Imagine someone doing this and following through. Wow.
Sanford is making a fool of the GOP. If he stays to complete is term limit, he will return to his mistress in waiting. Sanford's wife and children aren't his first priority because if they were he'd resign and spend all his time trying to heal his family relationship.
The next Gov of SC will be a Democrat with a happy marriage. He will not be "hiking the Appalachian Trail."
Democrats who molested children (Gerry Studds) and murdered while drunk driving (Ted Kennedy) surved multiple terms after their acts, yet Democrats demand that this guy step down.
As for republicans being hypocrites over being the party of morals and values, ok libs just point me to the republican congressman/woman who murdered someone.
As we know it is really not about a few individuals, the comparisons of red and blue America show that the right is where Americans who have morals and values reside. Compare your average New Yorker to your average person from Texas or Oklahoma, I rest my case!
I can't believe Sanford has not resigned given his admission that he used taxpayer money to fund at least one of his trips to see his lover. This is an outrage. Between him and Sarah Palin who used taxpayer money to take her children on trips with her,one has to wonder how any of them can be "fiscal conservatives." Does being a fiscal conservative just mean one is conservative with their own money and not the taxpayers? Based on recent conduct, it would appear to be so. South Carolina, kick that crum bum out of there. You deserve better.
What the Taliban members are doing now is called dancing with the Devil. When politicians say they " want to get the politics " out of any issue beware....
Another political embarassement. You did the crime now do the time. Out you go there Joe.
I don't approve of what Sanford did while under oath but honestly I think it may be best for him to finish out his term. I commend Bauer for willingly placing his own career and interests on hold for the sake of his state. Very noble.
What a circus! Great comedy. Not 200 points of IQ in the whole darn state!
Does anyone in government pay attention to the most important thing, which is running the state? The reason Sanford should resign is that he jeopardized his job, period. Instead, the leadership only cares about the next election.
Bauer was twice nominated by the SC Republican Party and elected Lt. Governor in very competitive elections. There is no reason he should make a pledge not to run for governor in 2010. We elected him second banana knowing full well he might succeed to the governorship.
Andre, grow a pair.
It still amazes me, that politicians, are so hypocritial reagarding true moral values. In a way, it serves the Republican's right, for founding their platform on something that I don't think any Politicians have.
If we actually start digging into the lives of most politicians, we will find things that are not mentionable. but, not to equate politicians and Hollywood, is quite naive.
Let politicians be politicians, accept them with all the defects that we all know that they have. Let's only measure them by the work that they do for their constituents.
Let's leave family and religious values were they belong. In the family and at home.
Wow, an adult mind in the Repuglican party. Who'd have thought?
He has nothing to lose here... 'rise above' the politics and capture some following for being a stand-up guy willing to put the best interest of the constituents above politics. Then, either run for Senate (or maybe even President/VP spot) spring-boarding off the short term of Governor. Or, run against the incumbent from the next Governorship election in the next race. I think we're seeing a GOP rising star here!
No mercy. No quarter. It's time for the American people to hold the elected to a higher standard. I remember the indignate filth put forth by the republican party. This was done to sway the unenlightened masses to vote for them in upcoming elections. Here's a perfect example of the chickens coming home to roost. It's time the republicans feel the heat. The old saying the people who live in glass houses, shouldn't throw stones has never been more relevent.
The governor needs to resign today by all possissble means. He discuss me! He ran off to Argentina to cheat behibd his wife back on the taxpayers money. Then he mislead the workers and the people of his state that he was vacationing lier! Resign now Sanford are you will be forced out by your own party! You called for Clinton impeachment and now the people are calling for yours! What goes around comes around get it!
I betcha that if Bauer takes the governorship in this manner, he will run in 2010 anyway. His operatves will create a "grassroots movement" to draft him for the nomination, and he will accept by "listening to the many voices and responding to the demands of the people of South Carolina."
Ho HO... How many of these political people change their minds later on? Leave the dude in office so he can show case the republican agenda...ok?
Another example of the political class thinking they can create new laws for themselves!!! There is a succession procedure in place, maybe inconvenient to candidates for the next election – but follow it!
Sanford has proven himself unfit for executive office. South Carolina cannot go another 18 months wondering if she can count on her chief executive. I wish him good luck & God speed in his personal life, but the state deserves better.
impeachment
PLEASE stop reporting on this...He is just another cheating/unfaithful governor/politician.
So where was the compromise for Spitzer??? same actions, same end result. RESIGN you hypocrite Republican.
Wow, how ridiculous. He should be able to run.
"his rivals worry that a Sanford resignation – which would elevate Bauer to the governorship – might give Bauer an advantage in next year's governor's race because he would be running as an incumbent."
This is all that matters...POLITICS. Not the people. Not governing. It's all political theatrics.
If their priorities were in order, Bauer's career would not factor into the equation. It should be about what is right for the state and people of SC.
I do not know if Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is a good thing or not. But one thing seems quite clear....Sanford needs to pack up and resign.
Quite simply Sanford has to resign! Period!...If he chooses to stay in office he will be an absolute hypocrite, especially considering all the fuss he raised over Clinton! Come on Governor, practice what you preach!
I do not know if Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer assuming the governorship would be a good thing or not. But one thing seems quite clear...Sanford needs to resign.
I like Bauer's comment that no one is acting like an adult. The sad part is that it's not surprising.
So once again the party is more important than the citizens of SC.
No impeachment because it might hurt the party. Unbelievable!
I hope South Carolina is being properly run while all the shenanigans are taking place.
Those who are adamant that this is a private matter and one should MYOB are either blinded by political fanaticism or relate 100% to this kind of behavior. Take your pick! Let's remove the infidelity part of the equation a bit and digest this: ABSCONDING FROM ONE'S POLITICAL OFFICE WITH NO OFFICIAL DIRECTIVE IS UNETHICAL.
If he did appoint someone to run the show during his absence it should have been made public, and if persons sought to concoct an an alibi as to his whereabouts, they need to be reprimanded and/or removed from office. That being said, I hope he can do some soul searching and pray unceasingly for proper guidance.
He should be kicked out of office. He calls for Impeachment on everyone else and speaks to other moralility and cheating on ones spouse. Then why should he not be held to the same standards that he holds others to. IMPEACH HIS BUTT!!!!
Sanford is another disgusting piece of human flesh that is putting his career over the well being of his family and his state. He not only deserted his family, he also deserted his state.
He needs to be ousted from government now!
Give it up Bauer, he's not going anywhere.
Who cares I am glad I do not live in this state!
Nice distraction and excuses. But the GOP is in trouble not because of moral hypocrisy, but because they have no ideas of their own. Their 'alternate' budget proposal was a 16 page outline with no numbers! NO NUMBERS! On a budget proposal? Their 'alternate' health care plan was a 3 page outline, with no cost estimates whatsoever, and 80% of the plan was just taken near verbatim from the Obama health care plan. If republicans spent a little more time thinking and planning, and less time just whining and parroting the talking points from Rush Limbaugh, they may actually be competitive. Until then, they don't deserve to be listened to!
These political attacks and posturing by extremely ambitious pols is more disgusting than having a governor who made the mistake of falling in love.
This dude needs to resign....no matter what happens...he is an idiot to use public money to go see his mistress................America, wake up....
Sanford should go, and Bauer's a little creep. Ew. I'm so glad I don't live in South Carolina.
No....no compromise.....did he offer one for Clinton back in the day....pack your stuff and hit the road jack!
Why should Sanford care to resign – the state was stupid enough to overrule him and take the porky pig stimulus. If I was him, I would resign and let the state suffer.
You know, if he hadn't left his job hanging for a week, I might have some sympathy for his staying on. But he just walked away, which leaves one to think that he really does not care about SC and his job that much. We already know how he feels about his family responsibilities. Ruled by hormones. What is the matter with men in power? Really. Do you hear these things about powerful women? It really is time to shatter that glass ceiling and get women in the job. Despite PMS and menopause, I really do believe women are more focused on the task at hand and far less likely to indulge in an affair with a married man.
Oh, so one more win for the filandering Governor and 0 for the people of the state of South Carolina. Brilliant.
Bravo Lt. Gov Bauer. However, this common sense approach will never pass the GOP litmus test.
You don't really believe Bauer now do you!
People of South Carolina!!! You are being governed by the porch people from Deliverance!! Make sure you vote them all back in so you can work your way down to 50th in education...
I Bauer become governor of our state and run in 2010 as he would have the right to do so. I am democrat, but would support Bauer for governor.
Gov. Sanford needs to resign......this governor has lied to his wife and the State of SC! And he stood up against the stimulus with the clear understanding that the poor people of SC would suffer the most to please his right-wing buddies!! This man is a hypocrite of the worst kind!! IMPEACH him now..l.......
His infidelity is a private matter to resolve for him and his family only! It should be none of the media's or our business!
Him skipping work (paid for by taxpayers) without warning is a call for disciplining.
Dismissal or resignation? If this is the biggest complaint we have about our current governors then indeed we could sit back and relax. But there are far more sinister and corrupt scandals under the radar out there, and far more waste of your taxpayer money!
Heh, heh...I actually like this idea. The young guy gets a feather in his cap, a star on his resume', then he can lay low for 4 or 8 years while someone else suffers the bad economy years. When he comes back, he can say "I already have experience" and clear the house.
It's a smooth move, and even if it's self-serving, it's also a pretty good solution to the bickering, and cuts down the noise about Sanford, which helps the GOP. Why doesn't Newt rubber stamp this idea and get the deal done?
>>>Compare your average New Yorker to your average person from Texas or Oklahoma, I rest my case!<<<<
You mean like the Branch Davidians or the Timothy McVeighs or the FLDS polygamist ranchers...?
Steve: true leadership? If you give it to me now, i wont ask for it later is not true leadership. It is a back door shot and it figures most bloggers cannot see it.
To
Fed up with low morals in SC
Did you forget about clinton – he was president!
cheating on your wife does not prevnt you to govern..Ask bill Clinton
It bothers me that people keep saying an "affair" is the problem. The problem is an irresponsible governor who left his post without making arrangements for his absence. The fact that he based his career on his self-righteousness, and is still waving bible passages to excuse his actions, are just repulsive asides.
Is this a Sanford compromise or is it a "Speed Racer" Bauer compromise? He seems to have had great difficulty driving the speed limit, hence speed racer!
@
Kevin B June 29th, 2009 4:14 pm ET
TCM- you come right out of the talk radio handbook. Do have one original idea that hasn't been spoon fed to you by Mr Hannity or Limbaugh?
Just curious…………
____________________________________
Don't blame me, you're the one supporting him! Besides, I know that for you liberals using the brain can be taxing...
Not only should Gov. Sanford step down as governor, should needs to be greatfully he is not being arrested. Under SC law adultery is a misdemeanor and punishable by a $500 fine and a year in jail. Under the current law is a crime under the criminal code and therefore an arrestable offense not matter where the offense took place. Now having said that, this law has been on the books since the 1800's and not used I think since 1905. I also feel that it would be a waste time and resource to try and prosecute such a case, but investigating SC law of "Misconduct in Office" is not. Under todays standard of law, it mostly not stand up in a Supreme Court challenge. I fell that it affair is his business to handle, but the behavior he displayed last week when it can to his duties as Governor of this state are in question and shoulld be dealth with on a legislative level.
Makes me want to see Andre Bauer as the next governor even more. Falling on Sanford's sword so to speak, to get the state back on track. Agreeing to serve only a little over a year as governor instead of a full term as he clearly wants. As an outsider to SC, the guy seems to make the most sense in the government.