Tampa, Florida (CNN) - Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford is engaged to his longtime Argentinean girlfriend, Maria Belen Chapur.
A source close to Sanford provided pictures of the couple, along with a statement from the former governor, to CNN exclusively.
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"Yes, we are engaged, and I’m both happy and excited for what that means,” Sanford said in the statement. “I have long expressed my feelings for her, she’s a wonderful person. My closest friends have met and love her, and I look forward to introducing her to still many more that have yet to do so."
News of Sanford's proposal was first reported by Clarin, a newspaper in Argentina.
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Is he speaking at the convention ?
I hope they have there honeymoon on the Appalachian trail .
Good for the two of them.
Well I have to say.. Uh.. This is somewhat understandable now. Not excusing.. Just saying.
Good. It matters not what party he belongs to. He followed his heart. If nothing else, he deserves respect for doing so.
Someone please explain again how the GOP is the party of "family values."
GOP at it's finest, family values!!!!
With all due respect , why are you reporting this matter? Governor Sanford was extremely derelict in his duties and
should have stepped down , but did not. For Shame!
Another example of Republican "family values"!
So is he going to be at the GOP convention as well?? Bring on the clowns!
Yep. Mark Sanford, Conservative poster child and VP hopeful, having had a fling with a Argentine hussy who is soon to become the next "Mrs Sanford". Way to go Christian Conservatives. Hey, maybe you should legislate it to be illegal to divorce. You know – protect the sanctity of marriage and the yet to be conceived child.
Ba Humbug! Republicans and Conservatives are just full of CRAP ! ! !
And another example of how Republicans celebrate the "sanctity of marriage."
A Republican? Whatever happened to the party of "family values"? I wonder what those self-righteous and judgmental South Carolinians think of their hero, now?
Just another episode from the reality show "The party of family values"....lmao.
We could all learn something from Sanford.
And if Sanford wasn't caught lying he'd still be 'hiking' and cheating on his family. Republican values, anyone?
She's a very attractive woman. I didn't think he was a good governor (remember when he was a likely presidential candidate?), and he obviously wasn't much of a husband the first time around. I think his first wife has gotten on with her life, and perhaps he will find happiness, too.
Good for him.
Awesome news! A rough road, to be sure, but those of us who have also been married to cold, emotionless women who don't get it are excited to see it work out when you do find your soulmate!
She better hope he doesn't tell her he's going hiking the Appalachin Trail and then disappear for a while!
Best wishes to both Sanford and Chapur! When I first heard about Sanford's escapades I was disappointed in him politically, however... truth be told this is simply a "love" story. Sometimes the first time around is NOT the right time around. Sometimes a pretty home, with a nicely dressed "stepford wife" and a white picket fence is NOT all it's chalked up to be. Truth be told is that some men/women realize that the first time was a "mistake" and upon meeting the likes of a Chapur their eyes are opened to the reality that there is something more, something greater.... In the end, I actually respect that Sanford stood by his true feelings and stuck with a woman who clearly inspires everything in him! I'm certain that it took great strength for him and Chapur to continue their relationship with so many vocally against them. That being said, I only have positive, genuine and congratulatory messages to send their way. Congratulations again!!
What about the marriage vows you took with the first wife?
Family values.
so, is he still a christian?
I wonder if she is worth losing his family. Well, at least he has his friends.
I hope he is a better husband than a governor. He always put politics above the people of South Carolina, but that has become the characteristic of the modern day republican party.