S.C. House GOP: Gov. Sanford has got to go

McClatchy Newspapers

MYRTLE BEACH. S.C.— Gov. Mark Sanford had no defenders when South Carolina House Republicans discussed his fate Saturday at an annual retreat.

Angry lawmakers urged colleagues to consider impeachment or asking as a group for Sanford’s resignation. But House Speaker Bobby Harrell urged his 55 House colleagues to wait on official conclusions from a State Ethics Commission report before acting.

Though House Republicans took no official action Saturday, it was clear that most in the caucus want Sanford to go.

“Is there anybody in this room that feels the governor should not resign?” asked Rep. Harry Cato, the House speaker pro tem. “I don’t hear anybody defending him.”

Lawmakers said Sanford had become an obstacle since disappearing on a five-day trip to Argentina in June and later admitting an extramarital affair. Since then, questions have been raised about Sanford’s use of state planes and other resources.

Sanford has refused to resign.