COLUMBIA (CNN) – Seven more Republicans in the South Carolina Senate are calling on Mark Sanford to resign, including Majority Leader Harvey Peeler.
Late Tuesday, the senators jointly issued a press release demanding that the governor step down because he has lost the trust of South Carolinians.
"The bottom line is that the Governor's private matters should remain private, but his deception and negligence make it impossible for us to trust him, and for him to govern in the future," they wrote.
Peeler told CNN that Sanford "has lost his ability to lead, and I'm afraid he has lost his ability to function as a man."
"He is sitting all alone in that big governor's mansion, totally alone," Peeler said. "It's about leadership and moving forward and it's time for him to resign."
Peeler was joined GOP state senators Hugh Leatherman, Thomas Alexander, Paul Campbell, Jake Knotts, Larry Martin and William O'Dell.
Earlier Tuesday, two of Sanford's top conservative allies in the senate - Larry Grooms and Kevin Bryant - also said Sanford must go.
From CNN Politics
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Dereliction of duty is inexcusable. If he wants to be a self-righteous hypocrite, the least he could have done was find a local girlfriend.
Hey! This is the best candidate for 2012 the Party has. A resignation will hurt his chances more than his peccadilloes. He's got The Family at Ivanwald behind him. That means major corporate support. Stay the course, Mark. Don't back down. Dump Jenny. Marry Maria. Write a book. (The Lobes of Love) And by this time next year nobody will care who you did the Appalachian Trail with. Then the campaign can get underway. Just make sure to let Rush know what's going on.
This republican governor does more for his WOMEN.. than he does for his state... Just like the rest of the republican party...Just me.. forget about the millions without health insurance.....some party huh?
Peeler told CNN that Sanford "has lost his ability to lead, and I'm afraid he has lost his ability to function as a man."
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I thought that the more women that you knotch into your belt ment that you were functioning more as a man than the men that only had one knotch in their belts. I guess I have been wrong all this time.
This is very similar to the situation with Obama. Obama promoised no tax increases for 95% of all Americans. But it didn't happen. Because of the inflationary pressure wrought by his irresponsible behavior our incomes will be reduced by half within 18 to 24 months.
Just as with George H. W. Bush, Obama will be removed from office in the next election because he lied to the American people about taxes. Among other things.
Good. But I doubt it will happen.
From a guy who looked like a solid, true to his word and a solid conservative to a poor excuse for a Harlequin novel wanna-be...wow!
This WAS a 2012 contender......
Once again... it's just politics. The powers that be in SC are not pushing for his resignation, even though they have sufficient grounds, because of the perceived "unfair advantage" that his successor would have (Bauer) in the 2010 gubernatorial elections. So forget their concern over appearances, and lack of confidence in him. It is just political posturing for the upcoming election. Period. Read between the lines people.
I think it's in the best interest for everyone if the man steps down. It's not as big an issue of what he did, but how he did it. If it's proven that he used South Carolina tax dollars to make these trips that's just gas on the fire for criminal prosecution. It's not a party issue to me being how as I'm a republican. It's an issue of what is right and what is wrong. It's wrong that he turned his back on his family, but it's criminal if he used the states money to do it.
Get over it already!! He's a cheater, like many other Democrats and Republicans alike. Clinton didn't resign! Everyone wants his head because he is Republican. Edwards is still the biggest slime ball cheat ever..........sports that holier than thou attitude, cheats on his wife and fathers a baby only to lie, lie and lie some more. The voters will take care of his career. Sanfords problem is he doesn't shut up, keeps on giving details we didn't ask for and don't really care about.
Sanford need to stop talking....everytime he opens his mouth he put BOTH feet in. What is sad and interesting is ALL politicians are doing the same stuff....the GOP seems to get caught...reason they are not a devious as the Dems.
I do not know why it takes more time for moderation....but yes, sanford should resign...it is no doubt....at at the same time, it is GOP drama to say so too.....
Democrats could learn a thing or two from this..... Republicans tend to recognize malfeasance in their own party. Dems generally do not. (Exception: Blago) Why people like Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, Harry Reed, Nancy Pelosi, and William Jefferson are still around is beyond any rational person's comprehension.
I don't think Gov. Sanford should resign until the next GOP morality scandal has been uncovered. I like for one GOP scandal after another to saturate the news. Conservatives need to learn that they have been made fools of by the con artists in thousand dollar suits that they have been voting for since 1980. The swindlers that have been elected by Republicans do not believe in smaller government, lower taxes, a heterosexual-only marriage amendment, a flag burning amendment, fiscal responsibility, and family values. That's just what they tell the suckers (you and me).
What they believe in is greater wealth and power for themselves. They believe that government should protect them and their corporate donors while keeping middle and lower class wages low. They don't give a crap about your life, your family, your values, or anything else about you – except your vote. Other than that, they regard you much as a dairy farmer regards his herd.
And probably half of these hypocrits are having afairs just like Sanford was when he was calling for Clinton's ouster.
See here's the difference between the two parties on this.
Infidelity = Bipartisan
Hypocrosy = GOP
He should stay in office. He'll be totally ineffective as a governor, but the entertainment value will be off the charts. Maybe he can get a reality TV show to help repay the SC taxpayers. And the movie rights to his story of finding his soul mate but trying to fall in love again with his wife are bound to be very lucrative.
Obviously, Gov. Sanford has never heard the saying "silence is golden". How else to explain his need to rub his wife's nose in all the sordid details he is now disclosing in public. Does he really think that this makes matters better? Mrs. Sanford would have to have pretty low self esteem to think she can work things out now since the Gov. has made it clear he is not in love with her and she would always be second best. Kick him to the curb, girl, and go on with your life. He isn't worth the embarrassment.
After the way his first term went, I never understood why Sanford was reelected. His party held the majority in both the state senate and house of representatives and he still couldn't get his agenda passed due to his inability to compromise. It was always his way or the highway. Remind you of someone else?
Thanks to leaders like Gov. Sanford and others of his ilk, I guess South Carolina will always be destined to be a laughingstock as long as people look for the (R) or (D) after candidates' names instead of looking beyond that to pick the person best suited for the job. It's too bad because this state is a great place to live and I couldn't see myself living anywhere else.
You can stop now...He is no longer a threat to the Democrats...CNN has served it's master well and will be rewarded.
heh, he says he didn't "cross the ultimate line" (besides with Chapur). What about the Ultimate Line of being unfaithful to your wife? Politics aside, cheaters, especially married cheaters are among the lowest of the low in society.
The sooner he resigns, the sooner he gets out of the public eye, and the sooner he stops doing daily damage to the GOP.
You had a chance at something great, Mark Sanford. But you flushed it....your career, your reputation, your conservative principles, and probably your marriage for completely selfish reasons. Then your office had the gall to lie about it to the American people.
You didn't lie about it in sworn testimony, which still puts you a notch above Clinton, but you need to go. When you betray the trust of the people to this extent, you are no longer fit to govern.
Did you hear this guy quoted the old testament to justify why he is staying in office?
What a hypocrite. This is NOT what being a good Christian is about. I'm so disgusted with the Republican party right now. Yet another reason I'm voting Democrat these days
Sanford like many other Republican so-called 'Christians' is a hypocrite. He uses taxpayers dollars to see a mistress who he now says 'he loves' but cries that President Obama is spending taxpayer dollars. HYPOCRITE! Our President is spending our money on what he's supposed to but this Republican liar is wasting American money on some MISTRESS! When President Obama spent his own money taking Michelle on a date, ALL Republicans cried foul. Where's the outrage from ALL Republicans now? Yet another reason so many laugh at the Republican party today. Try practicing what you preach, hypocrites!
Sanford's indescretions would normally be between he and his family. In this case, however, as he continually reveals more and more, one can only wonder what else he's not being truthful about. This quickly-spreading pattern of deceit jestures to the character of the man. In addition to his problems with his libido, Mr. Sanford has probably violated the law when he, as an active governor, disappeared and left the country and his protection details to visit a country that is full of people what would take great pleasure in kidnapping or killing an American politician. At the very least Sanford should leave office. At most, his activities should be reviewed for prosecution.
Why do GOP politicians often use 'The BOTTOM LINE IS..' in their statements? I noticed a lot of these in Stanford speeches, now this one...
It appears that the governor has lost his emotional compass: why would he publicize that his unfaithful mistress is his soul mate; that he is going to try to fall in love again with his wife? What??? Has the man completely lost his mind? Mrs Sanford should consider kicking his butt to the side of the road and let him go play with his soul mate. He certaily has lost his sense of propriety on many levels, including continuing to insult the wife he will 'try to fall in love with again'. There's no fix for the marriage now, and looks like his immature confusion has cost him the governorship, too.
It appears that the governor has lost his emotional compass: why would he publicize that his unfaithful mistress is his soul mate; that he is going to try to fall in love again with his wife? What??? Has the man completely lost his mind? Mrs Sanford should consider kicking his butt to the side of the road and let him go play with his soul mate. He certainly has lost his sense of propriety on many levels, including continuing to insult the wife he will 'try to fall in love with again'. There's no fix for the marriage now, and looks like his immature confusion has cost him the governorship, too
get him out of there. he should have resign while he was still in Argentina
How can they call for his resignation when he owned up to the truth unlike Bill Clinton who lied to Congress and the world or Ted Kennedy who literally got away with murder? Will the dems call for the resignation of all their adultrous politicans? I think not....there are too many on both sides!
Finally, a bottom line that makes sense.
I'm sure there must be some sort of clause in the law that would have turned over power to the Lt Gov. had Sanford not been able to be preside over an emergency.
Much ado about nothing.
CNN.......sick of reading nothing but junk on sanford. why is politico .com coming up with real news as well as FOX now and all we get from CNN is the same old gossip that i am sooooo tired of reading about?. please don't let FOX continue to beat you in ratings. start reporting the news again.
."I will be able to die knowing that I had met my soul mate," he said (in one of his statements)
Obviously the man was in a love quagmire. The more he fought to get out, the deeper he sank, and you can see the torment written all over his forlorn and weathered countenance. It could happen to anyone, but when you hold a high political office you need to have your wits about you and put aside selfish aspirations when emotionally entangled. There are many prestigious, well paying jobs in which you can remain INCOGNITO. If you feel you must serve people, then volunteer. Enough already!
His constituents lost confidence in him when he wouldn't take the stimulus money for his state. How obsurd for him to be so critical of others. I still believe what he does in his own home should not determine if he is capable of leading but this man is only thinking of himself. good riddance.
The state of south carolina has been ran by two adolescents hight on testoterone for the last 7 years, one was running on the streets of the capital at speed of over 100 mph and the other has been covorting with wemen other than his wife. No wonder we have the second or third higest unemployment rate in the country and we rank almost to the bottom in education and job creation. It is time to have adults in position of leadership, the question is where do we find them?
Why are the GOP asking for Sanford resignation?
What are they waiting for, Why haven't they started impeachment hearings? Or called for a state's special prosecutor?
Another one bites the dust, another one bites the dust, hey hey. Time to go Mark, you last 15 minutes of fame are dwindling very fast my friend. It's not the affair that's plaguing you, but it should since you and Ensign are such Hypocrites and Holier than thou, but it's plain and simple. JOB ABANDONDMENT. WE would never be able to NOT schedule time off, or call in sick for FIVE days without termination in our day-to-day jobs so why can you???? We are supposed to be a country "Where ALL men and women are created EQUAL". EQUAL in ALL respects. It doesn't state that politicians get special privileges, but it's apparent on both sides of the aisle YOU do. WHY??? You are NO BETTER than everyone else.
It's not the fact he had an affair. It is the fact he left his state unannounced for 5 days.
Affairs happen, as Democrats and Republicans alike can attest for the past 100 years. Some happened right in the Oval Office.
At this point, Gov. Sanford is embarrassing my party, the Republican party. He needs to step down and re-group.
can't wait until the limpbaughs of this party JUSTIFY this one. be careful what you say about others-how you have to vote for the sanfords of this world if you belong to that right wing party. or how about that georgia newt politician who is a crook–also judging sanford. can't wait for page 2.
Sanford should resign for one reason only, to spare his children further humiliation. He is a lousy parent.
Really what's the point of him resigning, he has 1yr left in office, and he cannot screw up SC any more than he had done in the past 7yrs. Let Sanford wallow in his pity (he's not upset that he got caught, he is upset because he cannot see his sweet thing anymore without the media hounding him). He has done his damage let's look to the future.
Sanford demanded that Bill Clinton resign over the Monica affair. What Sanford has done is far worse as it includes dereliction of his duties as governor. He shou be fired.
Let him stay, keep this tawdry in the news and let the Republicans wallow! Sandford's conduct is more honourable than that of Coleman in Minnesota holding Minnesota hostage for 8 month!
Please don't resign Sanford....you are one of the best things to happen to the Democrats. Please stay in office King David Sanford........we beg you! You are worth millions to the Dems.
Why didn't Bill Clinton resign? Why should Sanford resign?
I have heard many statesmen say that his private business is his private business and that Sanford should only resign because of his negligence in disappearing from the state for 5 days. Why do these statesmen have a double standard when it comes to heterosexual adultery. One rumor that a serviceman or servicewoman is gay will ruin their careers in the military for good. These are a patriotic volunteers whose careers are gone for good simply because of a rumor. You wonder why gays are trying like hell to get an equal seat at the table and this glaring South Carolina injustice is part of your answer. I don't know how our elected officials sleep at night when they selectively ruin the lives of our fellow American citizens because of institutionalized discrimination that they ALL created along with the help of Bob Barr from Georgia and draft dodging Bill Clinton from Arkansas. Hypocrisy is only about 3 feet deep and the crap that we are wading in waist high at the moment with the governor of South Carolina should be called something else completely. I've got a name for it and it is offensive as hell.
Well, Mr. Peeler, Mark Sanford obviously CAN function as a man. You on the other hand should keep your opinions about his personal life to yourself. Mr. Sanford is having a difficult emotional time. He feels he is in love with someone other than his wife. It must be tearing him apart. My heart goes out to him on that point. He should go with his heart, make a decision and stick to it. Politics won't keep him happy and it sure isn't about money.
He didn't lose his ability to lead, he never had it. 6 & 1/2 years and this state is falling apart.
This man just spews stupidity.
You need to go NOW Sanford. !!
Everyone gets it but you.