“Hiker” Sanford Now Sprinting to Finish

Chris Cillizza reports* that both Dem and GOP strategists believe that Mark Sanford is gaining momentum in the closing days of his House race against Elizabeth Colbert Busch.  The race is considered a toss up.

To me, it comes down to whether people vote for a human being or a number.  If they view Sanford as a guy who will reliably line up  with the GOP in Congress, basically as a number and not a person,  it makes sense to choose him because he reflects the policy views of the district better than Colbert Busch.  It’s a conservative district, and whatever else he is, Sanford is a conservative.  So Tuesday’s result will depend on whether Charleston-area voters want to send a message about ethics (he used tax $ to fly to Argentina to see his mistress) and morality, or just want to send another vote to the GOP column in the House.

But you can argue that it does no harm to send Colbert Busch for the rest of the term because of the solid GOP House majority.  If you dislike Sanford enough, you can end his political career and send another conservative (maybe even another Sanford — Jenny) to Congress in 2014.

* “Mark Sanford just might win South Carolina seat,” WaPo

NRCC To Sanford — No Money for You

In the light of Jenny Sanford’s claim that former SC Gov. Mark Sanford has trespassed at her house on numerous occasions, the NRCC has announced that it won’t contribute to Sanford’s campaign for his old House seat in Charleston.  That election is May 7, and Sanford’s court appearance on the trespassing charge is May 9.  The NRCC had been considering an infusion of millions of dollars in the next few weeks.

Sanford admits that he was at Jenny’s house, without her permission, on February 3 to watch the Super Bowl with one of their sons.  In his statement, he claims that he was unable to reach her.

But their divorce agreement says “neither will hereafter enter into the residence of the other without the specific permission of the other.”  It doesn’t say “best efforts” to reach the other, and it doesn’t say one of their children can give permission.  If Sanford wanted to watch the Super Bowl with his son, he should have done so at his house, about twenty minutes away.

Moreover, this wasn’t a one-time event.  Jenny’s complaint alleges that her ex-husband “has entered into a pattern of entering onto Plaintiff’s property…without her permission and against her wishes.”

You’d think Sanford would at least honor his divorce agreement during his campaign, that he’d be on his best behavior as he seeks votes.  To me this shows a continuing pattern of recklessness and cluelessness that makes him unfit for office.

Sanford refers to his ex-wife’s house on Sullivan’s Island as “the beach house.”  No, Governor, it is Jenny’s house now.  But given that you never respected her feelings, I don’t know why you’d respect her property.

Good for the NRCC in saying, “No soup money for you!”

Liar, Adulterer, Trespasser

Mark Sanford’s ex-wife Jenny has accused him of trespassing at her house on Sullivan’s Island outside Charleston, and the former Governor has to appear in court on May 9, two days after the special election in which he hopes to win back his old House seat.

According to their divorce agreement, the Sanfords must get permission before entering the other’s home, but Jenny apparently keeps finding Mark in her house.  She has custody of their four sons.

So he wasn’t home with her when he was supposed to be, and now he’s there when he’s not supposed to be!  He’s just a strange dude.  And this doesn’t help him with women voters.

Quote of the Day

“I don’t have any thoughts on the race that I am currently interested in sharing with the public and I have no plans to endorse.  I remain completely focused on the four wonderful men in my life [her sons] and happily so.”

Jenny Sanford on whether she endorses her adulterous ex, former Gov. Mark Sanford, in his race for his old House seat against Dem Elizabeth Colbert Busch.

That’s okay, Jenny, we all know you’re voting for Colbert Busch.

Colbert Moving from Comedy Central to C-Span?

A new South Carolina PPP poll shows Comedy Central’s Stephen Colbert in the lead to replace GOP Sen. Jim DeMint, who is moving his Tea Parties to the Heritage Foundation.

Colbert has 20%, GOP Congressman Tim Scott has 15%, GOP Congressman Trey Gowdy has 14%, and former first lady — and spurned spouse of former Gov. Mark Sanford — Jenny Sanford has 11%.

Gov. Nikki Haley will choose someone to fill the seat until the 2014 election.