Mark Sanford wants to return to public office after betraying the people who once elected him governor of their state.
It blows my mind that he just might get that chance.
Sanford debated Democratic opponent Elizabeth Colbert Busch in South Carolina the other night. Sanford, the former Republican South Carolina governor, has become the object of late-night comedians’ jokes, pundits’ barbs and even has been dismissed by the higher-ups in his own political party.
But he just might win the special election to Congress from South Carolina.
Why the jokes and the dissing?
Well, he had an affair while he was still married to his wife, Jenny. That’s not the worst of it – in my view – although cheating on one’s spouse is bad enough. Sanford took off for the Southern Hemisphere to frolic with his mistress while telling the world he was “hiking the Appalachian Trail.” He disappeared. He was off he grid, all the while getting paid to “govern” his state. He lied.
That was over Mothers Day weekend 2009. The word got out. Sanford was caught and the political world began its collective tittering.
Colbert Busch is a solid candidate. She reportedly did well in the debate with Sanford, who observers said needed to hit it out of the park against the sister of comedian Stephen Colbert. They also said he didn’t get the job done.
The GOP has turned its back on Sanford, who recently was caught sneaking into his wife’s home and violating a court order to stay away. The soap opera quality of this campaign almost defies description.
It’s been sort of fun watching this guy try to explain himself. But now the serious business of selecting a congressional representative is almost at hand. I hope Mark Sanford gets the boot in the backside he deserves. It’s obviously not my call. Vote wisely, 1st Congressional District residents.