Gov. Sanford SC is hounded because he is the only one with the guts to stand up to this heist and complete idiocy of Obama’s unstimulus program

Posted on | December 4, 2009 | 1 Comment

Columbia, SC (WLTX) – A house subcommittee examining an impeachment resolution against Governor Mark Sanford decided to throw out from consideration most of the State Ethics charges against the governor. 

In less than 30 minutes, the committee voted to remove 28 of the 37 Ethics Commission counts against Sanford. 

Those charges related to the upgrading of economy class airline tickets to business class tickets and the use of campaign funds. Related links: Ethics Commission Notice of Hearing for Gov. Mark Sanford | Full Ethics Commisson Report on Mark Sanford

“I don’t feel that the governor’s activities on these counts one through 18 dealing with business and first class flights, rises to the level of serious misconduct,” said Judiciary Committee Chairman James Harrison (R-Richland County).

“I think he and his attorneys are correct that even if there are violations included in this, it doesn’t rise to the level to warrant impeachment,” says Harrison. Previous Coverage: Mark Sanford’s Lawyers Defend Use of State Plane 

WLTX.com spoke to Governor Sanford about the decision after he made a public appearance in Orangeburg.

“We’ve said all along that we hope and believe that water will seep its own level,” Sanford said. “We have a compellingly good story to be told with regard to watching out for the taxpayer. We’re pleased, and I guess somewhat vindicated with what the committee did today. I guess I’d applaud where they’re coming from, but you know, more steps in this process, and we take it all a day at a time.”

While the committee did say that many of the allegations against the governor are not impeachable, they did say they’ve been left with serious concerns about his character.

“When you hold yourself out to be the champion of frugality, then you get a little close to scrutiny,” Harrison said.

“Given the many years of protestation by this governor, and certainly when he was a congressman of his frugality, it’s certainly a conviction of hypocrisy,”said Representative James Smith, (D-Richland County).

Sanford attorney Kevin Hall disagreed with the members and how Sanford is being portrayed.

“If you, or the committee, would like, I could show you 230 flights over a 22 year period under the leadership of five governors where the behavior has been consistent if the same,” says Hall.

The committee is scheduled to meet on Monday to discuss whether Sanford’s 2008 business trip to South America where he met his mistress violated the proper use of state funds.

The panel will then vote on possible impeachment recommendations, and whether to send the measure on to the full House Judiciary committee.

Despite the subcommittee’s decision, Sanford will still have to face the allegations made by the Ethics Commisson at a hearing next year.

 Jerome Collins  Tony Santaella  James Gilbert     12/3/2009 7:39:18 PM

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