Gov. Sanford hit with ethics charges

November 24th, 2009, 9:46 am · 2 Comments · posted by by Alan Bock, Register editorial writer

South Carolina Republican Gov. Mark Sanford, he of the Argentine firecracker affair, has now been hit with 37 ethics violation charges, most of them somewhat connected to the way he conducted the affair — misuse of campaign funds, violation of airplane travel rules and the like. These are civil rather than criminal charges, put together after a three-month state ethics committee investigation, and carry a maximum fine of $74,000.

This seems to be the way our system handles sexual infidelity among politicians. The affair seems to be what stirs the immediate outrage, but affairs are not illegal, so critics find stuff that is illegal. Thus the formal charges against Clinton during impeachment were stuff like perjury before a grand jury and the like, but even though the formal charges had nothing to do with interns, Democrats were not entirely wrong that the impeachment was “about sex.” Even though other issues connected with sexual infidelity are discussed as purportedly more important — betrayal of supposed loved ones, willingness to lie, carelessness about hurting one’s own children, etc. — I suspect we’re still a pretty puritanical country and it’s really about the sex, or failing to conceal the sex.

I’m amazed that Mark Sanford hasn’t resigned. It could be that like so many politicians he is addicted to the most dangerous drug of all — power.

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About this blog

Orange Punch bloggers write from a particular libertarian point of view. We’re dedicated to advancing human freedom and believe that the primary role of government is to defend Americans’ liberties. We seek a smaller, more limited government, expanded and freer trade at home and abroad, open markets and secure property rights. We believe in the power and goodwill of the individual; that he or she will aspire to a better tomorrow for themselves, for their family and for the community. We would hope for people to exercise integrity and self-responsibility along the way. The bloggers are Alan Bock, Brian Calle and Mark Landsbaum. The genesis of this particular brand of libertarianism is R.C. Hoiles, founder, Freedom Communications, Inc., parent company of the Orange County Register.

Johnny Blaze, Ghost Rider says:

November 24, 2009 at 11:40 am

This clown shoudl have resigned months ago-and since he didn’t he should be recalled from office. What he did is such a major violation of the public trust that he has no business in gov.

ocobserver says:

November 24, 2009 at 12:18 pm

Sanford is a minnow in a pool of sharks and killer whales.

They will make a big example of him to satisfy the bloodlust of the general public.

But all the sharks and killer whales will silently swim away …….unnoticed and unscathed in search of more prey.

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