Mark Sanford Engaged to Argentine Girlfriend No longer 'hiking,' Sanford says he's 'happy, excited' By Mark Russell, Newser Staff Posted Aug 26, 2012 6:47 AM CDT 19 comments Comments Mark Sanford, as South Carolina governor, participating in a meeting on energy independence on Feb. 21, 2010. Sanford announced he is engaged to his long-time girlfriend Maria Belen Chapur. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File) View 1 more image (Newser) – Honeymoon on the Appalachian Trail? More than a year and a half after unceremoniously leaving office, Mark Sanford is engaged to Argentine mistress Maria Belén Chapur, reports CNN, which also has exclusive photos of the happy couple. "Yes, we are engaged, and I’m both happy and excited for what that means,” Sanford said in the statement. “I have long expressed my feelings for her, she’s a wonderful person." View 1 more image My Take on This Story Report a story error Show results without voting | 45% Annoying 32% Hilarious 4% Intriguing 2% Depressing 15% Brilliant 2% Scary