Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

Why Sanford May Avoid Spitzer's Fate

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 6, 2009 4:45 AM CDT

(Newser) – The calls for Mark Sanford to resign are growing louder, but recent history suggests that the South Carolina governor has a chance to hold on, writes the Washington Times. While every politician who admits an affair faces calls to quit, only those who have committed real crimes are hounded from office. Sanford may end up like Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa or Sen. David Vitter: embarrassed, but still in power.

Fellow governors Eliot Spitzer and Jim McGreevey were toppled for serious misdeeds—connections to a prostitution ring, a plum job for a lover—rather than simple affairs. Sex-texting former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick went to prison for perjury and obstruction of justice. If Sanford does go, it might not be because of the affair, but rather his disappearance and subsequent bizarre confessionals. "His problem isn't that voters think he's immoral, it's that they think he's weird," said one GOP strategist.

Eliot Spitzer announces his resignation amidst a prostitution scandal as wife Silda looks on in his offices in New York City.
Eliot Spitzer announces his resignation amidst a prostitution scandal as wife Silda looks on in his offices in New York City.   (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin, File)
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford wipes away tears as he admits last month to having an affair.
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford wipes away tears as he admits last month to having an affair.   (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain,File)
Antonio Villaraigosa admitted to an affair in office, but was subsequently reelected mayor of Los Angeles.
Antonio Villaraigosa admitted to an affair in office, but was subsequently reelected mayor of Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Nick Ut)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
northeast
Jul 6, 2009 12:19 PM CDT
Lmao at trying to call someone a moron....and not being able to spell "moron." Not even kidding lol, you just made my day. Hey, maybe next time the Tea Party rolls around you can do all the sign-editing!
cfbailey
Jul 6, 2009 10:44 AM CDT
Sanford isnt weird.....he is a complete moran
cfbailey
Jul 6, 2009 1:34 AM CDT
ooops.....I had a long night...moron

More Newser Stories

Newt: Passions Led to Mistakes

Sanford Leaves Office Saying, 'Never Say Never'

Blogger Swears to Nikki Haley Affair in Affidavit

Nikki Haley Denies Claim of 2nd Affair

Folks: There's a 'Compromising' Haley Pic


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne