Gov. Mark Sanford’s Web site still gives her the title of “First Lady of South Carolina” and the two were spotted embracing with a peck on the cheek Tuesday night at Republican gubernatorial nominee Nikki Haley’s victory party, but, what is Jenny Sanford’s correct title now that the two are divorced?
Despite the fact this is unprecedented (Sanford is the first sitting governor in South Carolina’s history to divorce), the correct way to refer to her is “former” first lady, University of Virginia political scientist Larry Sabato said.
“They’ve had other priorities, rather than revising their Web site. They may never change it, who knows. I don’t think anyone seriously listens to Mark Sanford anymore,” Sabato said.
And since she’s now a “former,” her state-provided perks ceased the instant the divorce took place. But as far as her former duties as a first lady, she is not necessarily obligated to continue them, but Sabato thinks she will because she is “well-known” and a “sympathetic” character.
We doubt Gov. Sanford will get the same love when he becomes a “former” in January.
