South Carolina's Mark Sanford admits infidelity
By: JIM DAVENPORT
Associated Press
June 24, 2009
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| South Carolina Gov Mark Sanford ponders his response to a question during a news conference Thursday, June 4, 2009, in Columbia, S.C. Sanford admitted Wednesday to an extramarital affair with an Argentinian woman. |
COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford says he's been having an affair with a woman from Argentina and will resign as head of the Republican Governors' Association.
The married father of four emotionally apologized to his wife, staff and others at a news conference after returning Wednesday from a trip to Argentina that followed a dayslong absence. His staff had said the Republican was hiking on the Appalachian Trail.
Sanford says he met the woman about eight years ago and it became romantic about a year ago. He says his wife and family have known about it for the past five months.
Sanford says, "I've let down a lot of people."
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford says he's been having an affair with a woman from Argentina and will resign as head of the Republican Governors' Association.
The married father of four emotionally apologized to his wife, staff and others at a news conference after returning Wednesday from a trip to Argentina that followed a dayslong absence. He staff had said the Republican was hiking on the Appalachian Trail.
Sanford says he met the woman about eight years ago and it became romantic about a year ago. He says his wife and family have known about it for the past five months.
He had been a rumored contender for the 2012 GOP ticket. He's most recently snared headlines for his unsuccessful fight to turn aside federal stimulus cash for his state's schools.
