SC's Sanford Escapes Impeachment: Jeff Weiss

I am disappointed that Mark Sanford will not have to go through impeachment proceedings. While it is probably cost effective to let the lame duck governor of South Carolina limp through his last year in office as opposed to mounting an expensive case against him, I can't help but recall just how vocal the self-proclaimed morally upright Sanford was against former President Bill Clinton during the Monica Lewinksky scandal. Flash forward one decade, and Sanford was charged with three dozen ethics violations stemming from when he lied to his staff and family by telling them he was hiking the Appalachian Trail when in fact he was with his mistress in Argentina. Did I mention that it occurred during Father's Day weekend?

Sanford won't be facing impeachment charges, but he will be dealing with divorce proceedings now that his wife Jenny Sanford has filed for divorce. Mrs. Sanford left the governor's mansion in the summer, but waited until last week to file for divorce. In recent years we've witnessed many politicians' wives “stand by their man” in the face of scandal and infidelity. I'm impressed with Mrs. Sanford's conduct. She has stood her ground without taking the low road and airing her dirty laundry. I wish her the best.

And as for Governor Sanford, who at times appeared to be more proud of the fact that he could actually catch the eye of another woman instead of showing remorse for what he has done to his family, I wish him exactly what he deserves: a future far away from public office.

Email Jeff