CNN

[...] Jenny Sanford speaks out Jenny Sanford released a statement Thursday about her husband’s affair. [...]

She was probably a rotten wife and thought of the kids and herself as the "family", excluding her husband. The typical divorcee who feels that "entitlement" to be a stay at home home mom taking care of the kids being her only responsibility. Typical "loser" soccer mom type.
Reality check....they should get divorced and the kids shouls go with the father, the parent who can actually support the childen, both emotionally and.....and..... financially. Let's get rid of these moms who's only experience is in babysitting. We (us dads) can do it all, we don't need any financial support, we can take care of our children emotionally, financially and socially.
Get rid of the "deadbeat mom".
-Kevin Dowd
Plainsboro, NJ

There is no marriage to save, he is pining for his soul mate , only wants wife and the kids to try and revive a career! If he were fooling around with any and every thing is one thing, loving another and saying publicly he is going to try to fall back in love with his wife , is a slap in the face to her ! Glad she is not all pained and pious next to his side but OMG , take him back into her life as a loving hubby is ridulous and just not possible .
When I had to face a cheating husband privately , was bad enough and with one who had to gall to say "those women meant nothing to me , I love you " I just could not stand to look at him and even after 23 years feel nothing for him , no way can they get it back so do not even try!

In every relationship of my friends and acquaintances where one partner has strayed, the other was not without some blame for the failure of the relationship - he/she was a workaholic, withheld intimacy, ignored the other's pleas for conversation/counseling, spent all of his/her free time otherwise engaged, became distant and inconsiderate, etc. All of Jenny's statements place 100% of the fault on Mark, and I agree with the other posters that she does come across as self-righteous and dictatorial, not acknowledging for a second that she may have contributed in some way to the problem. Sure, he's the one that went outside the marriage and that's a sin, but she needs to do at least some self-analysis to see what she brought to the table. If the tone of this statement is representative of their personal life, I begin to understand why he was looking for warmth, affection, and some escapist fun.

Some of you don't seem to get it. Their marriage, like many unions, though perhaps once based on love, is probably about life-style. She does not need him to love her. They are enabling one another to live this life style. She is making these statements to gracefully respond to the media so that she can get on with her life. It's "damage control".

She's a fool!

I dunno, does anyone else think they are perfect for each other?

The children ,their boys are the losers here....too bad the wife dont see it.

Not a good example for 4 boys...it says...it's ok to cheat on your wife.

I thought for once we might have had a 'politicans wife" who had some backbone and would kick the rotten ,no good, lier out of the house for good!!!

But, NOooooooooooo she's like all the rest!!!

IF your husband publicly declares that the mistress is is soul-mate..help him pack and wish him well..It never feels good to be "second-best" especially when you're supposedly in a marriage...WHO ARE YOU KIDDING, MRS. SANFORD?

I don't care! I love you Michael!!!

Is it possible that Mark Sanford didn't have very much control over his wife, home, or family life, and due to this became this 'defiant' rebel rowser in his professional life?

His wife's statements, in my opinion, points to someone who is almost always in control, as if she didn't give her husband alot of chances to 'wear the pants' at home.

She speaks of and to him as one would a child.

Doesn't this woman get it...her husband loves another woman...his "soul mate"! ! This man will never be happy with his wife.
So typical of these politicians and their ever forgiving wives!!!

Good grief !! Neither one of them "gets it." The only thing that the people of South Carolina want to hear from either on these nits at this point is: "SANFORD RESIGNS!!"

Bob Ross
Beaufort, SC

Let's not be fooled folks, this woman is strong and yes, spiteful. She is sticking it to her husband in a well planned, calm, 'killing him with kindness' sort of way.

I can just picture Sanford squirming every time he reads one of her press releases.

Is it doing her boys any good though?…………….

This woman is no slouch!!!!

Is it possible that if she had been more of a wife, that he would not have had emotional and physical needs elsewhere. Is it possible?

Kevin, you are unbelievably insensitive to say that his wife is part of the problem of Sanford choosing infidelity. It is such an ignorant statement, it is hard to believe you would put it in print. Whatever deficiencies may exist in a marriage, no one is ever justified in commiting adultery. If one doesn't like their marriage, whatever the reason, leave first, then look for someone else.

She seems to be using the statement to urge others (especially those elected one) in SC to forgive her husband after all.

He is a jerk. Any woman deserves better. If his mistress is his soul mate, he should go and be with her and spare us all this drama.

She needs to step up and say, "This marriage is OVER. I'm leaving him to his "soulmate". And then she needs to kick him to the curb, telling her boys, "Your father did a stupid, irresponsible thing. And not just once-he did it over and over again, and then told the world about it. So now, he has to suffer the consequences."

For her to be put in the position of him announcing to the world that he's TRYING to "fall back in love with her", but he can die a happy man because he met his soulmate (his mistress) is... Sheesh! THERE ISN'T EVEN A WORD FOR WHAT THAT IS!

Lastly-the people of SC are stuuuupid if they don't boot him out of office ASAP. Because just in case they haven't noticed, his job is the LAST thing on his...."mind".

Good luck, Mrs. Sanford. You and your sons are going to need it more than ever if you keep "settling" for the manure your husband is so aptly spreading about.

The man was absent from his job and should be fired. Using religion to justify or glance over bad judgment is just further evidence of the inappropriateness of continuing. Get him to a nunnery!

Governor Sanford fell in love with another person.

Haven't we all seen this movie and read this story before???
Have not many of us personally experienced this ???

What amazes me is how shocked so many people seem to be at hearing this "news".

Considering his job and accountability to the people of S.C., I believe that he should have been honest to his staff regarding his whereabouts.
His moral obligations and responsibilities to his wife are a different and private matter. We ought not to judge in this area.

How is his track record as governor? Isn't that what we should care about?

With whom he is intimate is none of our business.

Pathetic – hypocritical republicans

that marriage is over. I have NO respect for her if she takes him back. He said on national TV he loved his girlfriend and would TRY to love his wife again. That is NO example to set for her kids to see her stand by her man after what he has done to them and her. She needs to be a real woman and continue leaving like it appeared she was doing. She CLEARLY does not love him any more and is only doing this for some sick reason that she thinks its best for her kids. REALLY? a loveless marriage where he cheats?? NOT

Forgiving him is a big step for Mrs. Sanford to move on BUT the key word is MOVE ON. YIKES to take him back after he has told the world that "he is trying to fall back in love with her" Give me a break He also said his lover was his "soul mate" ... Come on Mrs Sanford be a true role model and kick this loser out, you can do so much better.

Let's keep this real: Jenny already gave him a chance – and a longer leash than most women I know – when she sent him to NYC with his "spirital advisor" to end the affair. Extremely mature and forgiving behavior. The stipulation was that he was never to see this woman again. Sanford then lied to both his wife and his friend/spiritua advisor by continuing the affair and going to Argentina – on FATHER'S DAY no less – to be with this woman. This man is a phony Christian, an adultor, liar, manipulator, ineffective father, inexcusable excuse for a husband and not worthy of being anyone's "soulmate"-except perhaps someone low enough to have an affair with a married man. I guess, as a nation, we should just be glad this didn't cause some international incident....

He's been unfaithful more than once. He's teaching your sons that it is OK to use women for selfish purposes, and that vows are meaningless. The Lord has given you an out - take it to keep you and your boys safe and healthy. My prayers are with all of you.

I wonder which member of his staff wrote this and asked her to agree to put her name on it.

I really feel for Mrs. Sanford. Having said that she needs to divorce this idiot and take him for every dime!

I see a movie and it will not be PG!

I'm so sick and tired of hearing about philandering politicians/businesspeople/celebrities and their families.....STOP ISSUING STATEMENTS AND GO AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stay married that way you two only screw up one family!!

She was doing well, until this statement. I find it hollow and pretentious, given that she bears *some* responsibility in this mess...she is, after all, 1/2 of this relationship and one assumes that somewhere along the way she might not have been holding up her end of the bargain.

For the life of me, I can't understand how she could think so little of herself, as to "leave the door open" for a man that clearly does not love her. She has been humiliated. How could she go ANYWHERE with him, without crude, funny, or hurtful remarks coming out? My only concern is for their 4 boys~~it's difficult when you find out that your dad loves another woman. It would be the same if the roles were reversed. However, children are resilient!! Jenny, neither YOU or Mark, are good role models right now. This is just my 50 cents worth. And who am I to judge??? Observations from one that is tired of all the hoopla on Mark Sandfor and Michael Jackson!!!

Both of you shut up already. As the kid's say we're over it. Spend some time talking to each other not the press. Mrs. Sanford why do you want a man who readily admits his mistress is his "soul mate", is beyond me. How much clearer does he have to be, that you are second best? He is staying with you, if he stays, out of duty, NOT LOVE. Your boys can survive divorce better than a loveless marriage where the parents are at each other's throats, or walking on eggshells until the next Maria comes along.

To Maria, just beware, the man who marries his mistress leave a job opening !

Lets face it,its all about the money,love doesnt have a thing to do with it.

Mr. Sandord is a grown up man. His actions may not have been right in that he should have told his wife that he loves somebody else and go through the necessary steps to resolve the marriage. To quote the bible in trying to make things right, patronizing her own husband with these statements, putting him down and making him look like a fool is wrong. Basically what she does is making herself look great. What do we know what happened in this marriage all along that made her husband go astray.

Why do you keep hanging on their every word?

Why are we even worried about this idiot. I have more things to worry about like finding a job that does not exist I could run his state better than him.

I agree with one of the other postings I read. I am from North Carolina and everytime this lady makes a statement I personally feel more for Mark Sanford than I do for her. She is really working to build herself up to look like a glowing saint here rather than give her family the dignity and privacy to work through this very personal matter. Ms. Sanford, a part of me wonders why Governor Sanford does not focus his attention on himself and his sons, whom I am certain he must love, and let you go about living your own life OUT OF THE PUBLIC EYE! Though I am quite certain all of us feel sorry for the betrayal anyone would feel in such a circumstance, you are showing very little class and dignity with your public self-righteous attitude and statements.

Sanford is so lucky to have such an intelligent wife. Let's see if the same can be said about Americans.

It isn't so much that he succumbed to temptation; it is the mind-numbing hypocrisy of this Bible-thumping, flag-waving, holier-than-thou phoniy that tried to impeach Clinton for much less

Every once in a while you find a person out there who's really a Christian and this woman sounds like one of these.

Notwithstanding, she should not allow herself to be an enabling victim to someone who may not be able to change.

She should only take him back if there is, beyond sheer commitment that will likely not last, love in his heart for her, that will be enduring.

He does not love you deal with it..........He has called another woman his soulmate, you are not. Wake up, you will not be the only single mother raising 4 boys...

You dissappoint me. I thought you are the woman but you are not...

Jenny is killing the Gov with kindness. The guy WANTS her to be outraged with him and throw him out so that he can be free of her. Classic passive aggressive.

Someone please send this woman a copy of "He's Just Not That Into You", so she can finally stop issuing these embarrassing statements!

What a wet noodle this guy is. All that giberish about meeting his soulmate was beyond laughable. Sanford needs to be put in a nice pair of pajamas, a comfy bathrobe and slippers and led away to the Republican funny farm for some rest, relaxation and re-education on the ideology. Hey Sanford....hahahahahahahahahahaha you chump!!

Does this woman recognize this man could have given her AIDS or any other sexually transmitted disease. Millions of women have contacted diseases from their so called "lack of judgement".

Why don't they just stop talking to the press and begin talking to each other, only. She speaks about him like a mother would her child. Little wonder he fell out of love with her.

The mistress said she will only speak once and she kept that promise; but the couple who really needs to speak to each other in private is not. Rather than resolving their family issues in the privacy of their home(s), every day one of the Sanords had more to tell.

Mr. and Mrs. Sanford, do your family a favor: reach out to each other; decide on the best solution so Mrs. Sanford can have a new future with a new partner. As for Mr. Sanford he know what he wants.

I agree with those who are advising her to shut up. She is not in a forgiving mood. She is rationalizing her motives. She is not helping herself, nor her family and boys. She may think otherwise. She could use some psychological help.

Dear Jenny and Sons,
May God Bless you ,Love you and guide you during this painful and heartful time.
my heart goes out to you and your family.
Been there too.
Forgiveness is the law of love
To forget is very difficult.
Hopefully trust can be reestablished and a happier life will prevail

Why throw stones at one man? He just happened to get caught. Wonder how many more that are calling for his resignation are guilty of the same offence?

The Big Question: What in Governor Sanford's life 'drove him' to do what he did?
There is a 'reason why?'

this woman sounds like more of a controlling, manipulative shrew everytime she opens her mouth. if he tries to resolve things with her, she will torture him for the rest of his life. if he was in love with this woman, he never would have fallen in love with another. if they are so religious, and not just organized religion sheep, then he should follow his heart. the kids, that everyone is so concerned about, deserve better than living with parents who in reality, do not have a marriage. sounds like a dictatorship to me. not a partnership. i say, don't drink the kool ade. run to the arms of the woman who actually loves you. base your choices on love, not fear. otherwise you will make the wrong choice every time.

I knew it! The fool is going to take him back.

oh, give me a break . . . could she be any more self-righteous and smug? There are two sides to every story. While the Gov having an affair is not the best course of action, he may have been a very neglected man. And if his wife talked to him like a he was child (like in this statement), he was probably pretty immasculated.

I'm not ready to excuse the govenor, but I'm not ready to hold Mrs. Sanford up as some sort of domestic martyr just yet either. Two sides . . .

You both should resign from the public eye. This is such a ridiculous predicament....a private matter. If you want to live with this yo-yo, be our guest, but do it in private. Grant no more intervirews and take your kids away for a while to get out of the public eye. You both like power...nothing new there. Look at what this is costing you both. What a shame. He loves her, and you want to save your what..pretend marriage. Get a life.

TMI... No one really cares about their personal lives other than to point out the hypocrisy of him claiming to be for "Family Values" and having several mistresses.

Put it back behind closed doors and shut up about it in the public forums.

There is no sanity or logic when religion is involved. These people are the worst of the worst, using God as an out and an excuse to be weak. They deserve each other.

It is quite evident that their children clearly understand what is going on; unless they are genetically as stupid as their father, so why does "Jenny" want to go down this path of ridiculousness!

It is time to file for a DIVORCE-maybe that little surprise will allow residents of his state to recover from this shameless exercise in HYPOCRISY!

you are more forgiving than I. From now on I would not trust him. He cheated once,twice,thrice times...believe me.he will cheat again. God or no God.Do what every other woman has had to do. Get a lawyer, ask him to leave. I say this as a divorced woman. You'll be much more content for you and your children. Good luck!

Governor, Set yourself free and follow your heart. Life is too short, Argentina and it's women are beutiful and they can't come after you for child support there.

This whole thing is disturbing. What about the sleeze in Argentina who would become involved with a married man with 4 children. The lack of commitment to marriage and the marriage vows is disgusting. It looks like the gay community has placed a value on marriage that possibly the poloticans of this country would benefit by taking a look at how important it is to them.

All I can say is good luck Mrs. Sanford but personally for me, if a man doesn't love me, I surely don't want him children or no children. When her husband exposed himself, to me it's like Mrs. Sanford has been sleeping with a stranger and if she doesn't know him by now, she never will. Good luck lady.

Blah, blah, blah! It's all sad and everything that this man screwed around on his wife but, people, is this really "news" that needs to be rehashed over and over again? Between this, the Michael Jackson circus and all of the other over the top "reporting" that goes on these days it just gets more and more ridiculous and pathetic. It seems that all anyone is interested in any longer is "Enquirer" type "news". What has happened to intelligent reporting?

His wife is taking the right approach here. I know....believe me, I know. I cheated on my wife some years back. Tried to hide it and and it came out anyways. At first it was for the kids, but then we realized that we were in it for ourselves. My wife hated me at first, but through counseling, therapy, prayer and a new determination to find the love that brought us together in the first place, our marriage is rock solid again.

HOWEVER....its their problem, not the media's or anyone else.

after reading the e mails between sanford and his mistress i feel he actually fell in love with her. if its love he can resign then marry her.

I don't understand why Mrs. Sanford keeps issuing statements. I felt for her and her boys at the beginning but now she made me wonder why she is doing this. She makes herself look good and righteous but her governor husband worse than people think. Would that help her, her boys or her husband to heal, to reconcile? I doubt it.
Silda Spitzer had more class. You could feel the pain she was going through standing by the man she loved but betrayed her. Her silence in public spoke volume of her character.
Mrs. Sanford, please keep all your private life private.

Dump him!!

If Mark Sanford has any morals left in is body resign. His wife has forgive him but not to the point where the people of South Carolina should overlook this mess. He don't love his wife, he is using her to keep his job for 18 months and then he will be with his mistress. Jenny please don't fall for this joke.

Jenny Sanford is truly a class act unlike the political hacks who keep attacking Gov. Sanford. Jenny Sanford deserves our respect and admiration. This is a private matter for Mr. and Mrs. Sanford to resolve privately. We should all mind our own business and if our religious beliefs allow us to forgive others, just forgive Mark for his marital issues, instead of blaming him for making the mistake of falling in love. He can't control how his heart feels.
I have noticed that none of the haters asking for Sanford's resignation have asked Ensign or Vitter to resign. This is GOP hypocrisy.

That woman is too good for him, and so is that job.

If she keeps this up, I'm beginning to understand why he wandered elsewhere.

Spoken like a true blue Stepford wife.It was her money that got him the job,and im sure she directs where all the Foreign car company bag money goes.

Jenny...and every other Jenny that goes through this...just wake up..How you can build this kind of marriage? Where is your dignity and your self respect? You can still be a great mother and a great person without a husband who does not respect you. Isn't this guy who said "how much he loved his mistress"?? In what base are you going to re-build this marriage? ...when love does not exist? I have a husband and a family myself and I strongly feel that the A and the Z of every marriage is LOVE...so just wake up Jenny and MOVE ON

I truly do appreciate how faith can take you from anywhere-given. Mrs.Sanford sounds Like an amazing woman to be open to that process to hopefully achieve healing. Though there are some wounds that just don't heal, its never the same. That acceptance can be even more detrimental than letting go. Can still forgive!

Oh please. This woman is an idiot if she thinks the man who is "trying to fall back in love" with her actually deserves a second chance!

* D. O. O. R. M. A. T.

1. His mistress is his "soul-mate", experienced things "I've never felt before".

2. His wife told him in no uncertain terms to never see the woman from Argentina again, while Sanford and his wife were working through their problems.

3. Things took a turn for the worse in their "repair". She threw him out of the house. Sanford left for a 10-day trip to see his mistress in Argentina.

Aw, Jenny, let him have his "soul mate." You can have the 4 children and your inheritance. Two out of three ain't bad!

People, power hungry and money is where its all at. They sell their souls for it. No scruples, or decency about them and they throw God in there for the stupid little people they think exist beneath them.

Jenny Sanford is truly a class act unlike the political hacks who keep attacking her husband. Jenny Sanford deserves our respect and admiration. This is a private matter for Jenny and Mark to resolve privately. We should all mind our own business and if iour religious beliefs allow us to forgive others, just forgive Mark for his marital issues, instead of blaming him for making the mistake of falling in love.

Maybe everyone on this list should keep quiet unless you know what it's like to go through an extra-marital affair in the public eye.

It's really easy to sling comments around about what she should do, shouldn't do - she's said too much – or she's to be commended for what's she said.......or his own actions for that matter.

No matter what one does or says about this situation – or any situation currently in the news – the story will be picked apart until there's nothing left or some new more exciting story takes it's place and we're off to pick apart something else.

None of what is said by all of us matters a bit – only to those in the situation – period (yes, including myself).

The first lady of SC is not doing the Gov any favors, and she's not defending her "prestigious position." (Allison) She's leaving the door open for reconciliation, as every Christian spouse should do, to the best of his/her ability. (See Gayle Haggard and Hillary Clinton.) But she's also laying it on the line - this is the bar he needs to clear if we are going to be reconciled. That's fair, and it's about the strongest position she could take, and the best medicine for the Gov. Let's hope he shuts up and follows through.

Sanford sounds like he is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. He needs to compose himself. Sounds like a spoiled tenage girl that does not understand commitment but has only personal wants. I was embarassed for him and his wife when either one speaks.

Interesting that in all of her statements, Mrs. Sanford takes no responsibility herself. Last time I checked, marriage involved two people. What has her role been? Has she been open and honest with her husband? Has she looked at her issues? She acts as though she bears no responsibility for the 'state' of their marriage.

Many times an affair is simply one person "saying" through their actions, that the marriage isn't working. It's up to BOTH of them to work on it. If Mrs. Sanford thinks forgiving her husband is all she needs to do, she's in for more heartache.

Who. Cares.

This is a textbook case of "battered wife syndrome"

These two should be discussing this in private; the more they speak the more ridiculous they appear. All of this is being absorbed by their sons. What kind of example are they setting for them.

So Republican!. Put the spin on a story with a prop from religion and feed it to the public. So typical of Carolina hypocirites. Lord, save us from these religious fanatics.

Sounds more like she's saying she's made her decision as to whether to give hubby another chance but isn't trying to tell the voters what decision they should make.

I truly feel sorry for Mark Sanford. The media has plastered private and personal messages from one human being to another all over the television, radio and newsprint. From what I can gather, Mark had a true affection for this woman. It is unfair of us to judge what we do not know.

Can a man who has compromised his marriage with infidelity still lead a state? Of course he can. Other men have done worse and lived to write books about it...not to mention make millions off of their autobiographies.

We would all be hypocrits to remark on his deeds and then hide our emails, phone calls and text messages from the prying eyes of the rest of the world. I'm willing to bet most of us would be mortified if our phones or computers fell into the hands of someone else.

To thine ownself be true. Funny...marriage has a way of squashing that ideal.

It's time for Mrs. Sanford to shut-up. -This is getting a little boring!

You try to patch things up. And it may work but when your the Governor things should be perfect because people will always remember the mistakes before the good stuff.

Whatever happens between the governor and his wife is their private matter. However, he should resign for abandoning his state for 4 days and not leaving anyone in charge. Excuse me, but I don't know of anyone that can not show up for work without telling the boss for four days and then show up with a sob story like this one. PLEASE>>>>>>>>>>>

jenny sanford should leave this man...he professed his love for another woman..not his wife...he wants to fall in love with his wife again? she is a fool to go back to him....most politcal wives are fools....and their husbands keep lying to them. who should pitty this woman? no one if she goes back to him!

Both of these people are crazy. They need to really get a grip. This man is in love with his mistress no doubt and the wife does not hear or see it. Trust me if she lets this man return she will regret it the rest of her life. The whole family will be miserable. It is not worth it. Kick him out. I want him to resign because he left his job for a week, and went out of the country at that with out letting his staff know. The affair is definitely between him and his wife.

Tom Casey July 2nd, 2009 4:03 pm ET

"Hello, It doesn't surpise me that a conservative Bible state would ask for their governor to resign on moral grounds even though there is no evidence that he abused his office"

He should resign for just that reason. The GOP rants about everyone else while thumping their chest on how moral they are. They judge others so it's their turn. Just another reason why I'll never vote for a GOOPER again. Any group that can lie as effortlessly as they do doen't deserve any votes.

GI JOE sez:

"Can't imagine tryiing to make up ==== at my in-law's house.

Ouch."

You got that right. I think "Ouch" would be followed by an phone call to an ambulance service at my in-laws if I had the guts to walk in their house after saying the stuff that guy has been saying in public.

The scripture quotation is inaccurately cited. The reference to Psalm is wrong. The verse is actually from Ephesians 4.

judge not, lest ye be judged

For once I'd like to see one of these doormat wives throw the bum out and file for divorce. Maybe they're just as bad as their good for nothing husbands.

Strange, I did not read anywhere in her statement that she is taking him back. She will forever have a relationship with him, whether married or not. New movie, "Diary of a mad governors' wife".

He is in love with his mistress. Let him go and get on with your life. Stop with the statements. We've all heard way to much.

Seems to me this guy is typical of the current Republican Party. And exactly why I stopped voting Republican when Gingerich and Hyde were cheating on their wives as they promoted the Clinton/Lewiski scandal. Hypocrites and wanna-bees who want to control our personal lives and destroy our civil liberties. Not that Dems are without hipocracy, they just seem more comfortable with their own and our humanity.

First let me say I NEVER voted for Mark Sanford!

Couple of points:
1. Admittedly, Mark Sanford has not been able to stay away from Maria for more than 2-3 months since they first slept together in June 2008, so how many times will this be repeated in the next 18 months?
2. If he will cheat WITH her, he will cheat ON her – so who's next?

GIVE IT UP SANFORD – WE ARE TIRED OF THIS CRAP!

Hey overbearing Christian politician, abide by your holier than thou code. Quit ASAP.

Two Natures beat within my breast.
One is evil. One is blessed.
One I love….. One I hate…
The One… I feed…. Will dominate.
Unknown

There are no higher aspirations than to garner the faith and trust of the citizens of this country.
We don’t expect perfection from those who lead us... But it is to be the mark to strive for.
When you fall we will help you up…dust you off…
Your willingness to stay the course. Only shows your lack of RESPECT. For the OFFICE.
You’ve proven your lack of respect. For your God… your Wife… your family.
Do the right Thing….. Heal your family…before you try to heal your State.

Pease...... will these people just go away and spare us the details.
They deserve each other!

Some men just want to be humiliated. Why else get caught? This is enjoyable for them. They also are too chicken to ask their wives for a divorce and expect to manipulate them into solving the problem for them. Look at Edwards, now Sanford. Both are chickens. Neither wants to stay married to the family he has. Both would like nothing better to slink off, marry their paramours, and blame everything on the wife. There ain't no difference between North or South Carolina!

And now for something a lot more relevant to everyones lives here in America and around the world. We are going into the poppy fields of Afghanistan and chasing those miscreants "taliban" out! FINALLY! Good Job to our warriors over there! Thank you. Here's hoping they can keep those bearded dress wearing woman hating knuckledraggers out and get some food growing there again. What a boon to the area physically (food) and politically (Iran would have helped us do this long ago, both the mullahs and the smarter modern civilians are no fans of opium next door)

What a class act.

I do feel badly for the Sanford family but all you Southern Christians need to face the facts of life. People DO fall in love with others even if they are married with wonderful children and careers. You can't explain LOVE and you certainly don't ask for it. I personally think there were problems in their marriage many years ago and they shoved them under the carpet. I say our personal happiness is the key and not living a LIE! Jenny you seem like a wonderful person but your husband is no longer in love with you. It happens to so many of us and is part of being human. I say Gov Sanford needs to be true to his heart and stay with Maria. It doesn't mean he has less love for his boys or his people in S.C. It simply means he needs to feel the true love of this woman. It reminds me of Englands King Edward who stepped down for Mrs Simpson. Nothing mattered but his love for her...I don't believe he regretted his decision.

She could act like Hillary and completely ignore it like good liberals do and let their husbands walk all over them.

Memo to Jenny: Get rid of him. He's just not that into you.

So, Mrs. Sanford is coming to her husband's rescue after all? It sure sounds like it, because she is asking South Carolinians to "forgive" his trespasses, just like as a wife, she is willing to forgive him. At least Silda Spitzer kept her mouth shut.

I don't understand how she could want him back. Regardless of what kind of marriage they used to have before this came up (and we don't know what was going on and what kind of relationship they truly had behind closed doors), how could she accept to remain the wife of someone who is declaring to the whole world that he is in love with another woman; someone who has to make an effort to "re-fall" in love with his wife?! Bible aside, what kind of message does that send to daughters (which she does not have) everywhere? That its OK to respect yourself so little and live with someone who is with you just because he has to be? A healthy divorce is better than an unhealthy marriage for children as well as their parents in the long run.

It is time for the Sanfords to shut up and treat this as a private matter.

Classy lady.

He doesn't deserve her.

Jenny could forgive, and dump the bum. She should dump him for her sons' sake. Mark Sanford is a terrible role model for sons.

She deserves the man she has

I don't know how she'll be able to forgive him when he's been gushing that the woman he was having the affair with is his "soul-mate" and stuff. He's really disrespected his wife, completely... not only did he cheat on her, but then he denegrates her in things he says afterward. This man is a real lowlife. I admire his wife's compassion for her kids by wanting to work it out, but I really question her good sense and self-respect. But, it's up to her, though... I hope things work out for the best for her and the kids. I don't care how they work out for him.

How can you even think about taking him back into your home?
What does that teach your children? that is is alright to abuse your wife?
And make no mistake this was abuse, maybe not physical but abuse never the less. It teaches them that its ok to reject your vows, humiliate you family and it's just fine. A few weepy tears, I,m sorry and it all goes away? It NEVER goes away. He's proved he is not to be trusted. Send him packing

She is a wise woman...a builder of her...not one to pluck it down.

He that is without sin ...cast the first stone. Let's pray for this family and learn from their error willingly revealed.

OMG do these people NOT know what TMI means????

Why hasn't she left him yet?

Forgiveness? I think not lady! Mrs. Sanford, you will NEVER be able to trust him again. Do what is right and show your boys what a strong woman can do......and get them away from that adulteruos monster. By staying with him, you show your approval of his actions.
Yet another example of how adultery is now become acceptable and all too commonplace in our culture.

Is she saying that her family and her children are more important than all of the other citizens of the state of South Carolina?

It may well be that Gov. Sanford has sinned more against God, the boys, his wife and so on. I leave that for God, Mrs. Sanford and boys and so on to judge and act as they feel appropriate. But that's not the issue for those who elect their political leaders. The issue here is whether the governor is fit to remain as governor. I would say not, not because he had a lust affair, but because he is fundamentally untrustworthy. He shows himself to be a serial deceiver, seriously emotionally disturbed, and, with his agreement then refusal to disclose financial statements relevant to whether the State subsidized his trip(s) to Argentina, likely a financial cheat. Mrs. Stanford, take him back if you think it's best for "the boys", but – please – take him away if you care for the well being of the electorate of South Carolina.

This woman is an angel,like that other famous wife that also stayed with her husband.I hope she isn't subject to the same ridicule that the other woman still endures to this day for her decision.

Jenny Sanford is making Silda Spitzer look more dignified every minute. Had Mrs. Sanford simply left her statement to not showing up at her husband's press conference, she would have come out a lot better. Instead, she chooses to release statements that give us a glimpse as to why her husband may have cheated (overbearing, mommying, etc.). Not to excuse her husbands actions...particularly abandoning his post for five days...but she has played a role in the demise of her marriage as well. It takes two to screw it up.

While Silda Spitzer made a mistake by showing up at her husband's press conference (although I am convinced she did what she felt was right), she made up for it by shutting up afterwards.

Kick him loose, he's not worth it. I know from experience.

I think they both need to shut up. Most people don't want the details in their marriage or with this incident. They should not be airing their dirty laundry in public. She is talking too much. I would have more respect for her if she said a simple"no comment".

The wise words of a woman with class. I'm curious why most of the posts are not sourced in an attitude of forgiveness. She seems willing to consider the process.....john

He does not love his wife. When you have to ask your wife for permission to see your mistress you have good down a road you cannot come back from. Leave the wife and the kids and make a new life in Argentina. wow you can call your mistress your soulmate and the wife still leaves a door open for you.

Jenny is back tracking because what she really is saying "I don't want you to leave me for the other woman". Good grief lady, stop pleading with this man, he admitted to the entire world he was in love with Maria and said she is his soul mate, how could you ever forget those words, how?

Wait a second.

The only concern I have about Sanford is his PUBLIC life: that as the ELECTED government official. Therefore, the crime he committed against the people of S.C., by using public money for his private affair in Argentina, is the MOST relevant and GREATEST crime he committed.

Those against his family and God are of no concern of mine.

What is it with these stupid political wives? Obviously the prestige of being a governor's wife is more important than her self esteem-self worth, and unfortunately, the court of public opinion decreases that prestige 100%. Take the kids and run. He will definitely do it again. But then again, you don't care do you? How are you ok with your husband disappearing for a week without telling you where he was going? You have so much that you need counseling on....that you would allow so much of this behavior to continue and that you would enable it....I really pity you, Mrs. Sanford.

Well, everyone to his or her own opinion....like Thackery, I prefer the gentle Hagar to bitter old virtuous Sarah. Surely Jenny Sanford, steeped as she seems in religious dogma, realizes genuine forgiveness is without condition or price. Before she finishes putting Mark through the hoops, making him pay for the consequences of his sinfulness, she'll likely find he opts for Argentina, or somewhere else, because he can't endure her prescribed regimen. Yes, you guessed correctly....of me, personally...BEEN THERE; DONE THAT!!!

I do not condone adultery but it seems Mrs. Sanford is not looking at herself and asking herself how and why did this happen. I am sure she loves her boys but could she have gone with him most of the time? There is no one person to blame for this behavior. Men need attention too. Some women throw themselves at men and some are easily tempted. Some men are stronger and with the HELP of a higher power can avoid temptation. She looks and acts like a goody two shoe, so self righteous. Ask your husband what did she have to offer? Why don't you go visit the lady, interview her. You might learn what's missing in your marriage. WE CAN ALL LEARN. You look good, are you sensual? Possession is 9/10th of the law u r still married to him. It's your business just KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT, just talk with your man find out why.

Can't imagine tryiing to make up ==== at my in-law's house.

Ouch.

She's trying to save his political career. Tough luck!

Why the venom aimed at Ms. Sanford. What I see is a Christian lady trying to put her faith into action. Regardless of ones personal beliefs that is something to respect and not vilify because in this case forgiveness must be incredibly difficult for her. She's made no commitment to take him back, but she hasn't and shouldn't shut the door mindlessly in anger. Can a poor piece of work like Mark Sanford earn his way back, I doubt it. Still, that's for them to work out and she should be applauded for upholding the highest principle of the Christian faith, forgiveness.

CNN's best team in politics is little more than tabloid paparazzi..

Sad really, because America could really use some honest reporting from Washington these days.

I think she should throw the book at him and protect her children from the crap he is selling to the public. It will only be after he resigns that anything will be done.

I hope Jenny is enjoying her 15 minutes of fame - which she seems intent on extending for 15 weeks or 15 months. I suppose we can expect another press release every few days from the poor woman until she is able to sign a seven-figure contract for a book or a TV movie. Milk it for all it's worth, girl!

Don't cave in, Jenny. Kick his sorry butt out on the street. Have a nice day!

This is the same obscene business that the Republicans pulled on the Clintons. I say just shut up about the whole thing and let him work it out with his family. Everyone knows what happened. Now we can let it go, and if you're in SC vote the jerk out next time.

don`t take him back , what`s with these spouses that take their cheating other halves back ? if he/she cheated, let him/her go...you are not that important, ...sir , soulmate?.....ppffff

She's interpreting her own life and shortcomings on a cosmic scale. Like God really cares about Mark's marriage? Not even Mark cares about it. Probably no one does, if they are honest. Not even Jenny.
I suppose that's to be expected, but really the more I hear her speak, the more cold and calculated she sounds.

Personally I hope he ends up with the other woman he loves (not his wife).

Raising kids is another matter. I doubt being stuck with someone you can't stand, and enduring cold stares across the breakfast table for the rest of his life will make him a better father. It will just make him bitter.

Why would any self-respecting person keep the door open to a person as immoral, insensitve and dishonest as Mark Sanford? He has already said his Argentinian paramour is his "soul mate". What chance does Jenny Sanford have, and more importantly, why would she even want the chance? By taking him back, what message is she sending to her four boys? That it's ok to act immorally and irresponsibly? Close this chapter of your life and move on.

I support Jenny Sanford and if she is willing to forgive Gov. Sanford, then this is her right and she should never be criticize for it. However, her forgiving her husband does not mean that Gov. Sanford should not resign. Gov. Sanford is a hypocrite, liar, and has violated his own high morals and principles. He should go!

I am humbled and amazed by the grace Jenny Sanford is showing her husband. Her eloquence and the intelligent balance she has found in both extending unmerited favor toward Mark and at the same time candidly declaring the formidable work and time that will be required to achieve reconciliation speak to her maturity and character both as a Christian and as a wife. Whatever her faults may be– for she surely has them– Mark Sanford would do well to recognize the precious jewel he has been given in Jenny. I pray that he has the wisdom to turn away once and for all from Ms. Chapur, and to walk unswervingly toward the light that beams through the door Jenny has opened for him.

Strength and weakness in this situation look much the same.

Mrs Sanford, what a BEAUTIFUL statement, you are very gracious and poised. I truly pray to God that he may grant you courage and strength to deal with this trial.

Jenny...he loves someone else...don't you get it?

I hope these two talk about their problems every day from now on.....let me grab my popcorn!!! entertainment provided by the moral majority

Look, let's give the parties involved privacy to work through this situation. I've always hated the way the Clintons were treated by others seeking to score political points and we now know were involved in affairs themselves. The cruelty to Mrs. Clinton even after all these years. The cruelty to the other wives and families that have come after.

I pray for all of them, it doesn't matter Republican or Democrat. I know politicians don't get it, the media doesn't get it but in these situations there are families involved to need to be allowed to keep their dignity even while they are seeking to heal and move forward.

Great Point Rachel!

As an atheist, my beliefs in forgiveness are different from most Christians. If I ever cheated on my wife, I would expect her to never trust me again, and rightly so. Forgiveness is something that has to be earned, and it takes a very long time to earn it for a transgression this serious. The fact that infidelity is so easily forgiven only increases the likelihood of more infidelity.

Trust, on the other hand, can never be fully mended. It is something you will carry with you for the rest of your life, because the memories of a violation will always be there.

Marriage is a vow between two people. If you cannot understand and accept the responsibilities of that vow, don't get married.

Stop feeding the beast AKA media

democrats must be loving his "i am staying" governor and her almost daily 'cheated-wife" statements!

But I am getting tire of this carnaval. So, I say that he has to step down and she has to drop the "for the kids' sake" statements. Moreover, why not hiding under a rock and don't come out until have solved their problems (divorce or stay). End of story.

Waiting to see if the 'soul mate' will break her silence and add some spice.

Its a slow summer folks let this go on. It has not even been done full justice by Leno, Conan and Letterman yet.

With all due respect to all of the parties involved, who really cares. Other than his wife and children, no one else was harmed by this weak hitter that the Republican Party felt was a major standard bearer. Once we accept that powerful politicians have been pulling this stuff for hundreds of years, we quickly realize that when he goes, the next guy may pull the same stunt, or maybe the next guy has already pulled the same stunt.

These people with their God obsession! Start acting like adults and maybe this crap won't happen to you.

If he really was trying to work it out, he would not have gone to be with his mistress for a week PERIOD.

Life is too short, move on so you can start enjoying it again.

Jenny,
Leave the bible crap out of it and think for yourself (and your 4 boys).
How about they see real women don't put up with pathetic men no matter what. They will be much better off seeing you with a good man or even alone. He cheats on you cause he knows he can.

So, if you were forced to choose, would the sanctimony of marriage be better served by a monogamous homosexual couple with a loving, caring relationship, or guys like Governor Sanford?

Look how far women go to keep their pompous, corrupt husbands, supposedly in the name of God or for the sake of the children. The underlying reason is normally the fear of becoming a divorced woman thereby losing the social status.

Sober up, Mrs. Sanford. He'll never love you again. Find for yourself a worthy man - or live life to its fullest as a proud, complete human being.

From a happily divorced woman

If she so readily, and this quickly, willing to forgive and forget, then she deserves it!! WHAT IN IDIOT!! you don't let your spouse cheat on you, quote the bible, and then say it's ok i should have been a better wife!! Truly disgusting.

I hope the majority of the women don't follow her example. This second statement doesn't do her any good. It just shows that she slowly is losing her dignity. There is nothing left to forgive.... This guy admitted that he found his ' soul mate'!!!!

Everyone is speculating and too involved in a marriage they really know nothing about. You don't really know the inner workings of their marriage and where blame should be placed so why not let this story wither away and let them work it out themselves. Concentrate on your own personal failings and the country will be better off.

so what, big deal he is still finished, who really cares, cnn is so hoping he wont step down for your gop party,every day ,more democrats. when he is in the news,it does not get any better than this a senator and a gov. stimulus going down in flames.the wife is stark raving mad.

wow, she went from being an empowered advocate for all those who partners commit indiscretions to a "jesus"-backed doormat.

Jenny comes from a very, very wealthy family, what does she
need this bum for?

The governor stated he found his soulmate in Maria – - – and he will TRY and fall in love with his wife again – - – PLUS he had other women in his life – - unfortunately, he needs to grow up!!!!! He is worse than a love stricken teenager!!!! You have 4 sons, Governor!!!!! No way would I want a person who has stronger feelings for some one else!!!!

I live in South Carolina, I find both of the Sanford's more than a little embarassing. The Governor has made an absolute fool of himself, but Mrs Sanford cannot seem to stay out of the spotlight either. Why does she have to issue statements about the boy's, forgiveness, quoting the Bible and Desmond Tutu. Southern "ladies" do not air their dirty laundry in public. They keep a siff upper lip and say as little as possible, that is a class act.

OGP

She is crazy!!!! He is saying that he fell & is in love with his mistress, but needs to fall back in love with her. Not to mention the "cross the line" with other women statement. What other clue does she need? Repubs need to stop using the bible/religion as a crutch for all of their misdeeds. Was he thinking about the good book on the way to Argentina? There is no place in the Bible that says you should let yourself be constantly disrespected & endure it. His heart & mind is in Argentina, not with her. As a wife I feel for her, but why stay in a love less marriage?

As much as I relish the hypocrisy of this whole situation, it is a horrible tragedy for the family. He obviously put his needs above all else and for some reason is being very graphic about it. It is humiliating and insulting to his wife. She needs to cut her losses and just move on.

I worship Mr. Sanford. He has good test going after Latin women with tans and nice hips. Mr. Sanford was just broadening his options, he has the power to do that. I bet she was much better in bed.

I'd throw the idiot out on his butt. I don't understand these "Christian" people who allow themselves to be used as doormats, and I grew up in South Carolina. Given Lt. Gov. Bauer's record, the state of SC is between a rock and a hard place. I hope they make it through the next 18 months!

Jenny doesn't have to give up her husband. He is her man and behind her she still has 4 kids with him. However, his job as a governor is a differnt story.

I'm at a loss to understand why Ms. Sanford just doesn't say, "OK, chump. You may as well make it permanent with your "soul mate" because this wife is movin' on."

Just goes to show that not only is class exeedingly rare in a politician, it's almost as hard to come by in the women who marry them, then "stand by their man" when he's led astray by his Y chromosome.

What an amazing coincidence! Desmond Tutu had the very same comment about my marriage.... Alas, it was a no go.

Hey, I'm no expert on understanding women, but it seems to me if you're trying to reconcile with your wife after cheating on her, you wouldn't call your mistress your "soul mate." If this were most any other state, Mark Sanford would have been out of a job yesterday. I guess South Carolinians will allow their pols to get away with most anything.

Jenny Standford thank you for approaching this issue with such dignity, but as a man I am here to tell you. you really need to break something of his, may I suggest his legs......

Hey Linda: I have a feeling you don't even know what the true meaning of separtion of church and state is. Look it up before you put it in one of your comments. I am so tired of people going around trying to talking about something when they have no idea what it means.

Having not walked a single BLOCK in Jenny Sanford's shoes; let alone a mile, I cannot even begin to imagine the pain she and the boys are going through. How DARE you criticize, "diss" or even attempt to judge what she, her husband and their family should do...... SHAME on you!

Does anyone really care! Seems there are a lot more important issues that should be discussed! MRC

Come on people! What she is attempting to do is, by showing grace, help her husband maintain what little dignity he has left and to work on reconciliation and rebuilding the broken trust.

All too often, people want to crush those who have made major mistakes. He wants to maintain a career, while trying to rebuild his brokenness. Well, most people lack forgiveness and want to completely shut the door and never ever hear from this man.

His sin is no more than any other person's – when's the last time you spoke ill of someone, cursed a bad driver, or cursed God for your trials and tribulations, even subconsciously? That's no better than an adulterous. At least he's attempting to make amends – are you?

Wow...Jenny, forgive him for your own good. BUT, don't ever forget it. To forgive doesn't mean you give up your self-respect and take him back. It means you forgive him so you don't hold on to the anger...forgive him for your own good–while tossing him to the curb! The people of So. Carolina can figure the rest out for themselves!

He screwed up many times, she for some reason is willing to consider forgiving him if he works really hard. Got it. At first the situation was scandalous, then it got weird, now its just tedious. Let us hope this is the last we hear from either of them on the state of their marriage short of an announcement that they are patched up or calling it quits.

This is the same woman who was lauded for not standing next to her husband at a press conference. The more she speaks, the more she appears to be as pathetic as her husband. Accept the facts, lady. Your husband doesn't love you, but will force himself to feel desire for her again while he pines for his soulmate. Is that a life, or an example to set for your children? Walk away while you and your boys still have some dignity and start a new life, otherwise you risk becoming an object of pity like Ted Haggard's wife and all those "brave christian" women who stand bravely by their miscreant husbands as they wrestle with their inner desires.

He should ditch her if Maria will take him. Don't be fooled by this lady. Is she was not sitting on it he would not have had to cheat.

I think if she eviscerated him on the courthouse steps with a carving knife at high noon – Most everybody would applaud her and ask her why she waited so long to do it.

If Mrs. sanford really wants to show her children what a strong person is, she should not cower behind these patheltic preachings from other people and her religion. Be strong Jenny, you were betrayed, lied to , and made a fool. Why would you want to add to the embarassment by standing by such a loser? For the children? I think not...they, too would be better off without such an example of fatherhood. Stand strong, stand alone!

DO NOT CONTINUE THIS MARRIAGE! You will never be able to trust him. Don't put your boys through this! This is NOT your fault! He is a man who puts himself and his desires first. Don't be a martyr to save his soul. He already gave it to the devil!

I am having more than a little trouble with all of this...First of all I am appalled at the governor for his actions; I am more than a little disconcerted by a mother who would hang onto a bad marriage for the sake of the children. Mothers protect their offspring even from their fathers who sometime eat their young. I truly respect the Christian family and the Holy Bible but do not hide behind it. Mrs. Sanford has insinuated that she helped create the man the governor is when she was a Wall Street exec. She should have been aware that the person you create can become the monster you have to control..shame on her if this is what she created and did become responsible for it. It takes 2 to make a marriage and 2 to break one.

Forgive the liar who showed no remorse (he continued to lie to reporters about where he was even after he got caught) and forget, eh?

Well, good luck with your marriage…

Sanford is a shameless hypocrite who will have to be forced out.

Btw, speaking of shameless politicians like Sanford, Craig and Vitter who need to be forced out of office, Senator John Ensign (R-NV) should be removed from office for the way he doubled his mistress’s salary during his affair with her, according to federal election documents, and then fired her when the affair ended. There is nothing stand up about him, and a person like that should not have the power of a United States Senator or be a holder of any other office that allows him to make decisions about how we allocate our country’s resources.

PLEASE, Jenny, this pig won't change.

THROW THE BUM OUT.
Have some SELF-RESPECT.

I was impressed with her the other day. Now I'm just disgusted. She's just like the rest of the foolish Republican women. Cowed and useless.

What a silly woman. So the best role model she think of for her kids is a philandering husband and she spouts off with Bible verses to show what a wise woman she is? He cheated, Jenny, and he will cheat again. Even privileged, rich, women are not immune to cheating husbands. So, get over him and get on with your life.

She cant be that stupid...this man is sleeping with women who are probably sleeping with other men and she takes him back...Thats a slap in the face for women who stayed at home respecting their husband and got diseases. MS SANFORD he will do it again. Leave him and find a young man who will respect you and your children. Your a fool to take him back and for the people of his state...get rid of the LOOSER....and set an example if his wife wont.

Seems to me that Jenny doesn't want to give up the Guv's sweet income – after all, we're in a recession, and I don't know many high paying jobs for disgraced government officials...

Well, now that she's backed down, it shows she's most likely been "bought".

She is a Wall Street executive so she is likely to be quite conniving and strategic in her "press releases." In fact he might have found gentle solace in the arms of his Buenos Aires lady friend far away from the tense Wall Street atmosphere at home.

if you don'tdo it good someone else will do

Gary's comment is:

I my view Mrs. Jenny Sanford has shown a lot of class thru this whole
ordeal her husband has put her thru. Her first care is for her children
as it should be, and she should give her husband the boot!!! There
lives togeather will never be the same as Jenny Sanford is not his
sole mate!! only his wife. I say get rid of him and move on.

Anyone that allows a spouse to state publicly in an international forum, that they are "trying to fall back in love" with the slighted spouse and accepts this as "remorse" is a doormat, with WELCOME written across their forehead.

My heart goes out to her and her sons.
What a hypocritical, egomaniac buffoon she is married to.

Wow, my opinion of Ms. Sanford sinks lower with every statement she releases. She's like school in the summertime - no class.

I was so proud of her the other day, what a strong person. Now she has gone into the cattle pen with all the other cheated on politicians wives, she is no better. As a woman I really am sad about this.

Forgive the liar who showed no remorse (he continued to lied to reporters about where he was even after he got caught) and forget, eh?

Well, good luck with your marriage...

This man seems to have some emotional and/or mental problems. He is not capable of being a Governor. Why would Mrs. Sanford want to stay with this man after he has said he had other "emotional" affairs, whatever that is, and the Argentina chick is his "soulmate." Maybe she has her own issues because I wouldn't be able to sit across the table from a husband like him. Birds of a feather..........

jenny is the typical female that stands by her man if only figuratively speaking. she should file for divorce. mark is in love with maria and will be thinking of her when he is hiding the sausage with jenny. physically mark might be with jenny but every thing that is mark sanford will forever be with maria. why jenny wants to hold onto mark who wants someone else can only mean that jenny wants to win. win, the game.

Jenny, Isn't that the same thing he said in January, you know, before he lied to you again and saw her two more times?

Plus, how do you keep the creep after he has cried to the world that the home-wrecker is "the love of his life", "his soul mate", don't you have any self respect?

To "Tim;"

SHE didn't bring the kids into this. HE brought the kids into it when he betrayed them and her. It's nonsense that this is strictly between him and her. They together brought four children into the world and he betrayed them as much as he betrayed her. She is at least showing some determination to make him atone to BOTH herself and the boys, which he should definitely do. It's called "family."

And to "Once You Vote Black" Where do you get the idea that Mrs. Sanford is not sleeping with her husband? Were you there, or are you just trying to rile up the readers of this comment board? If she NEVER slept with him, he still has no right to do what he did. GET A DIVORCE first, then I don't care if you hang from the chandeliers with a girl from every country if you want to, as long as you are not married.

JENNY SANFORD HAS NO CLASS. Anyone with any class at all would not be speaking with reporters.

Yeah! Thats a good idea. Keep him around so he can teach the boy's the fine art of how to grow up to become a corrupt, skirt chasing, money stealing, lying, GOP posterboy hypocrit, who hides behind God to validate his NUMEROUS, shortcomings! STUPID WOMAN!

I for one am really sick of the religious references and right-wing Republicans in general. It's supposed to be separation of Church and State! Stop beating us all over the head with your foolish superstitions! No one cares. Your husband and you both need to stop talking to the press and get out of the public eye. Sanford was a big critic of Clinton and pressed for his impeachment. What a self-righteous hypocrit!

The whole situation is fodder for a bad "Lifetime" movie...

Sounds like she's trying to save his political hide. Your children have just been given a morals lesson. You want them to see more????

Oh come on, yes he abused his office. Anyone with a brain can see that. If you actually believe that, I have some nice swampland in Florida to sell you. It will make you rich. I promise.

Mrs Sanford,

You are an incredibly elegant lady.

Bill Graham

Why is she airing her laundry in public? I'll tell you why: it's an excuse to take the moral high ground in order to grind him even lower into the road gravel. It's an old moral superiority trick and she seems to have mastered the art. He asked for it and he's getting it.

Why doesn't South Carolina just elect God as its next governor directly, instead of relying on people like Mark Sanford and his wife Jenny who claim to be so close to God? It's funny how Mark Sanford is so close to God but never once did God tell him, "Hey Mark, how about you don't cheat on your wife? Or at least don't make a total fool of yourself in public, you idiot." It seems like the more a politician talks about God, family values, and morality, the more he cheats on his wife. If the people of South Carolina really want God's leadership, they should elect Him as governor and then see what happens... I can guarantee you that anybody who ran against God in that state would lose the election.

It is bad enough when the Dems screw up like Sanford, but to have the holier than thou attitude that Repubs have makes this twice as bad.

At least the Dems didn't claim that higher moral ground as we have seen with all the Repubs falling off the moral bandwagon.

I'm glad I'm a political hybrid.

She was doing so good....oh well, now it's back to business as usual.

UHHH! Tim,

Children are a package deal when in comes to marriage. And most folk want to know how the kids are doing? The governor left the door wide open for his kids to be exposed to the ugliness of our world when he step out of the marriage and broke his vows.

Let us think of some other possibles uglies of the world that could have effected the kids. He could have caught a disease and the kids would eventually have no parents. He could have gotten the lady pregnant exposing the whole family to that humiliation not to mention the path of an unborn child. The lady could have black mailed him which would open up a whole other can of worms.

PEOPLE NEED TO TAKE THERE VOWS SERIOUSLY. GOD KNOWS BETTER THAN MAN.

It never ceases to amaze me me how the people who seem to "sin" (cheat) the most are the religious right. They seem to think it's okay to do anything they want as long as somewhere along the line they "ask for God's forgiveness". Give me a break! Having said that, this woman needs to quit opening her mouth. Between her and her husband they can't seem to find a hole to crawl back into and work on their personal lives. No one cares about their relationship. Shut up already!

Mrs. Sanford I'm so sorry for your pain, I will keep a devotion for you and yours. Hold onto that courage of yours the path may seem dark now, but you can get past this, keep listening for the will.

Since the Republicans have their very own Bill Clinton (Lewinsky scandal) in Gov Sanford, I wonder what the Green Party will do.

I'd tell him to go to his soul mate and free me up to find mine. It obviously isn't him.

Why can't people mixed up in these scandals just stay out of the public eye?!?! She had everyone's sympathy. All she had to do was focus on her family and not be the sad little wifey standing by her cheatin' man. Please, for everyone's sake, stay away from the media Jenny!

He only totally screwed over the one he made the most sacred vow to put above all others and remain true to...for better or for worse. No WAY would he do the same to the people he made a lesser vow to serve! No Way! This is totally family business. Just because he lied doesn't mean he won't keep his word to his consituents. Just because he TRASHED his vows doesn't mean he would trash his oath.

No way. It's only a family matter. Governor Sanford is so very noble and upstanding of a man. He keeps his word on everything..and stands by his words...always.

It appears as if Mrs. Sanford (Jenny), like all great mothers, is putting her own needs second to those of her children. Her children are too young to handle this situation without her support, so she is willing to live with the indignity of accepting this "Cornball" (Mr. Sanford) back into her life for their sake.

Its extraordinary really, and she should be commended.

Since "The Cornball" continues to put his needs first, in front of everything else by not resigning, its clear he hasn't changed at all. She will probably tolerate him until the kids are old enough to understand and cope on their own, and then she will kick him out like so much rubbish.

Its a shame, first for the kids, and (tied for) second is Mrs. Sanford, the people of South Carolina, and Republicans everywhere. How do bums like this earn trust in the first place? I guess Jenny will be asking herself this question for a long time.

Uh, Tom, Mark did kind of abuse his office. He left the country without notifying anyone–kind of important when you're the chief executive and in the event of an emergency, SC would've wasted a lot of valuable time trying to find him to direct the response. That's known as dereliction of duty.

Never EVER use "we're doing it for the children" as an excuse. You'd be better off divorcing than "staying together for the children". Trust me, I know from personal experience. My sister and I both wish my mother had left my father years before she did. Things were so much better when they split up.

Being from SC all I can say is Mrs. Sanford this man is making a fool of you...dump him. And Mark...please step down and let someone do the states business.

Once a cheater–always a cheater.

she's a brave and courageous woman and the real hero of the story. She's not a wimp, it takes real strength to stand up and be recognized–to maintain a sense of sanity, publicly–while your husband is making a fool of you daily. I give her all the credit in the world. However, he's stated that he found his soul-mate referring to his mistress. So, I don't know what assurances he gave her that would convince her that he's serious about saving their marriage. I saw him on a vid-clip last nite on the ED-schultz show...where he's sobbing, talking about GOD, ..how he found his soul-mate...and then we have those e-mails...him describing the womans..tan lines, her beautiful curves...how he reminisced about kissing her...It seems like he fell in love and doesn't know what to do. He should be talking to his psych, his wife, GOD, or his mistress...he shouldn't be on tv everyday with more "revelations"–pun intended–about his affair. I've heard enough, and it's very embarrassing & damaging for the family. Either quit the girl and work it out with the family and stay, or get with the girl and resign.

Geez, people......STOP issuing statements EVERY SINGLE DAY about this private issue within your marriage!!! Both of you!!!

I wonder why they are both so oddly compelled to air their dirty laundry to the world.

There is no such thing as family business when you are a politician. If you would lie to and cheat on your closest and most trusted partner, no one else can trust you.

She can say whatever she wants. He has said too much she will never forget. They'd have to be brainwashed together to make it in a marriage.
Also, can he resign now ?...he's an idiot.

He needs to resign.

He's made a mockery of his marriage, which is private but he has also make a mockery of the office of governor. To publically refer to one's mistress as their "soulmate?" There is no dignity after that.

She is the strong one in the relationship as shown by her wisdom and love for her family. Rush not to judgement of the situation, and her responses. She is entitled to make a decision that is best for her and her boys, not Mark or the public. Her inner strength illustrates a beauty of the female to love and nuture the family.

He not only lied and cheated on his wife, but did the same to the people of SC. But I am sure she know what she was getting herself into when she married a right wing religious extremist.

It's impossible for them to be able to live by the extreme values they try and judge others by. In the light of day, one by one... they all come crumbling down.

Now she really has to worry about her children, we all know what the children of religious extremist are like when they grow up. Yikes!!

Now the Republicans have their own Bill Clinton. No more reminders of the Lewinsky scandal. And to think he refused stimulus money that the state desperately needed, while enjoying trips to visit his mistress. Tsk tsk Gov. Sanford.

I am suprised and disappointed in your statement PatriciaG because women always say tell the truth and the whole truth. But because he was honest and expressed himself you are bashing him. Could it be that you want men to tell the truth as you see it, or to suger coat it so you will like it? Besides this is not even your man so why do you have so much to say about it. Why don't you ask Jenny why she would take him back? Its because she knows that her and those bratts drove him to this point.

Eeyuck, what a self-righteous prig, married to a self-centered egomaniac

Please, south carolina, throw this bum out so we never have to hear about this story ever again! Pretty please?

Biblical quotes, nice, but aren't there 10 Commandments in that book too ?

Wow, talk about the world's biggest doormat. He has said this other woman is his soul mate and she apparently thinks it is best for their kids for her to stay with this worthless excuse of a man? The whole thing is just very sad. She needs to slam the door on him as quick as possible.

I commend Mrs. Sanford. Despite being a republican, she seems to be a class act. Her only mistake was marrying a republican. The rest of the world and united states could have predicted he would have some scandal involvement.

I will say this, atleast his incompetence didn't kill thousands of our troops or allow innocent civilians to be lost in attacks on buildings. His incompetence was limited to his family.

Yes folks, both parties do at times make mistakes. But the democrats are not standing upon a soap box hypocritically campaigning on "family values'. It's the hypocracy that makes Gov. Sanford an absolute dirt bag. He's worse then Clinton because he doesn't 'practice what he preaches'. He wants infidels to resign in the past, well now it's his turn.

The man has ruined a state, along with a marriage. Par for the course when it comes to republicans. At least he didn't ruin a country, like Bush/Cheney.

He should be tested for HIV immediately!!

Since he has said publicly that his mistress is his "soul mate," I think his wife should take him to the cleaners in divorce court and get their children away from his sneaking, lying, hypocritical ways.

Prior to this I had a great deal of respect for how she was handling this situation –not now.

Wow, talk about sounding like a moron. Frankly, who cares about your belief in god or the bible or Bishop Tutu?

She was doing better when she just shut up. If this is a private matter, keep it to yoursefl.

SG

He's got to decide whats more important. Politics, his wife and family or his Brazilian floozy. And there's no such thing as choose all of the above or two out of three. Idiot!

for the sake of your boys...

so you want to teach your boys that you should suffer through infedility of a spouse, while the spouse is spouting that someone else is the love of their life, but he will try to make it work with someone who is not. what kind of lesson is that.

i think..

for the sake of your boys, you need to kick your adulterating husband to the curb and help me pass a law that bans adulterers from remarrying, in order to truly protect the sancitity of marriage from people who have no repect for the vows of matrimony. cause you cant have your cake and eat it too...

thats is the lesson you should teach your boys.

lol

Grace, class and dignity. He is not worthy of her.

Both of them are nut jobs, and both of them are loving the media spotlight.

What an insult to any sane-minded women! In an AP audio interview, he said that he would die happy knowing he had finally met his soulmate, his mistress, and that he is "trying to fall back in love with his wife".

Fall back in love with his wife?! Please let this psychopath go!

I dont understand how their marriage can be repaired at this point; Mark made it very clear that Jenny is not his "soulmate". The governor loves his mistress more than his wife, therefore their marriage is a political sham.

@Tom Casey – Not only was Sanford derelict in his duties by leaving the state without making any arrangements to be able to be reached by his staff, he used taxpayer money to pay for his trip to Argentina. The fact that he just wrote a check to the state to pay for his most recent trip after being caught doesn't mean he didn't steal. These are the reasons he should resign.

FWIW – adultery is still on the books as being illegal in SC

Stop babbling about "God" and quoting from your Bible, you two phonies! Just shut up and try to maintain what dignity you have left. You both seem a little nuts, honestly.

WHOA!!! You said it ALL.

The best part of this whole scandal is watching the GOP base's increasingly convoluted attempts at excusing Sanford's behavior.

Seriously, you guys crack me up.

Look people I hate Mark Sanford just as much as anyone else, but he does need to stay in office. He took on that job and stumbled. If he quits he would add quitter to that long list of names he can be called. Besides he makes the GOP look bad. Let them toss him out on his rump. Stepping down would be too easy. Now Jenny, she needs to fess up to why Mark looked else ware. It takes 2 to make a marriage work or not work. You know what I am saying?

Why is it that these submissive Christian women always jump to forgive their men? He is a dirtbag and deserves nothing from the people of South Carolina. His wife needs to put him out with the trash.

What is wrong with this woman? Her husband has lied and cheated to her and her children and humiliated her before the whole world and stated that he must learn to love her again rather than his "soul mate". Where is her self esteem? Kick him to the curb.

I'd pay good money to watch this woman kick his teeth out, one at a time.

He can probably focus on all those intentions once he leaves office!

Wow Ms. Sanford the next time your husband speechwriters write you a errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr I mean the next time you write a statement, would it be asking too much for you not make yourself sound like an idiot. Thanks

Too bad she keeps bringing the kids into this. It is the worst thing anyone can do to their children.

Too bad that this scumbag feels he is the center of the universe.

God bless their children, they have irresponsible parents.

I just want him to stop talking about. Usually when you cheat the last thing you want to do is to KEEP TALKING about it. Secondly starting a sentence with " shes my soulmate" and not youre not talking about your wife usually isnt the way to make good on the notion that you want to salvage your marrige.... Im just saying..

Well, I think Jenny Sanford actually gets what it means to be Christian. She understands that professing that faith is not a pass to excuse behavior but instead, like all great religions and philosophies, involves accountability and truly making amends to those one has harmed – which takes genuine effort and humility and a lot time.

Personally, I believe she – and the good people of South Carolina – could do a lot better than self-righteous, self-centered and arrogant Mark Sanford in their lives.

There is evidence he abused his office. He left the country without telling any one where he went and left no one in charge. His behavior over the last week suggests he might be suffering some mental break down as well. And if his wife can forgive him after he said the other woman was "his soulmate and I'll try to fall in love with my wife again", she's a better woman than me. He would start having to explain the black-eye.

I guess Jenny would no what's best ...

But I'd throw the bum out ...

Along with his ego ... and his self infactuation

Jenny – the man does not love you!
He said that he wil "try to fall in love with you again..."

He also said that Belen is his "soul mate"...

Can you really live with that????
So far you have shown a great deal of dignity.... now show some self-respect and walk away with your dignity intact.

If not for you, for your boys' sake.

hmm sounds like she is gonna stick with him. That is absoultely her choice, but now I hope the holier than thou peole who are using Jenny to go back to what they think Hillary should have done will shut up because the end result will be the same Jenny will probably stay in the marriage.

Good grief. These people don't know when to stop. The people of SC do not need to forgive or forget and they don't need to enter into a 12-step program with their elected governor. They have no obligation to help Mark become a better person as he has said staying in office will do and they have no obligation to have any role whatsoever in mending this marriage. The perhaps necessary spirit of forgiveness that applies to HER does not apply to the state. The state simply needs a competent, grounded, stable, mature grown-up to run their economically stricken state. Resign, Mr. Sanford; it is the ONLY way you and your state get out of this mess.

Roasted.

Good grief. These people don't know when to stop. The people of SC do not need to forgive or forget and they don't need to enter into a 12-step program with their elected governor. They have no obligation to help Mark become a better person as he has said staying in office will do and they have no obligation to have any role whatsoever in mending this marriage. The perhaps necessary spirit of forgiveness that applies to HER does not apply to the state. The simply need a competent, grounded, stable, mature grown-up to run their economically stricken state. Resign, Mr. Sanford; it is the ONLY way you and your state get out of this mess.

Who cares!? This is squarly family bussiness and should be left to Mr and Mrs Sanford. If the door is open or closed is their bussiness.
However, b/c of abuse of office (AWOL), he needs to be impeached. Peroid.

I wonder who wrote this statement for her.

Could she be more rehearsed?
I am all for saving a marriage. However, the guy has completely lost his head in his dialogue regarding the "other" woman.
Had Jenny Sanford made a simple response and then gone into seclusion to deal with her family's personal problems then I would have more respect for her reactions. Her quotations from the Bible and from Tutu demonstrate her desire to appeal to her higher calling – that being a politician's wife.
Good luck to her and her family.

Hello, It doesn't surpise me that a conservative Bible state would ask for their governor to resign on moral grounds even though there is no evidence that he abused his office. It seems to me to be more of a show of strength from the "good" people of South Carolina. Gov. Sanford has no plans to resign, so I guess there will be torches and pitchforks in the streets of the South Carolina capital soon. Tom Casey Louisville,KY

Why? So he can do it again?

Governor, you should consult your wife on how to sound reasonable. I think she has a handle on that, which you could call on... ya know... if you two are close enough for that.