Sanford Flew to Hair Cut, Kids' Games on State Dime

Gov racked up $400K in travel, some illegal

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 10, 2009 1:24 AM CDT

(Newser) – Mark Sanford has repeatedly violated South Carolina law by using state aircraft for personal trips, an AP investigation has found. Records reveal that the philandering governor has used state planes to travel to dental appointments, his children's sporting events, and political party gatherings. One one occasion, Sanford used a state aircraft to travel to Columbia from the coast when the only appointment he had was at his hair salon.

Sanford, whose air travel has cost the state close to $400,000 since he took office, regularly took his wife and four children with him on state aircraft. South Carolina law states that "all aircraft owned or operated by agencies of the state government shall be used only for official business." Sanford could face civil or criminal penalties if he is found to have misused state resources.

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South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford talks to the Associated Press in his Columbia, SC, Statehouse office. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain, file)

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford listens to Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom during a budget and control board meeting. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford serves up hamburgers and drinks aboard a South Carolina state-owned plane. (AP Photo/The Post and Courier, Alan Hawes, pool)

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It's an overwhelming ethical issue here. To me, this is clear misuse of state property. - Republican state Sen. David Thomas

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 12 comments

Newser001

Aug 11, 2009 6:26 AM CDT

Do as I say, not as I do - The hypocrisy in politics, and particular, Sanford's case, is nothing short of criminal. I mean, the nerve of this guy...! How could anyone, let alone Jenny, forgive him after the 'soulmate' disclosure, coupled with all the lies he said all that time to cover his tracks?!!

Shannonals

Aug 11, 2009 3:31 AM CDT

Of course it would have been looked at Toon, the man disappeared from the state. It was only obvious the state would look into it as soon as it was revealed he was using state funds to assist in his affair

Alexandria

Aug 10, 2009 12:45 PM CDT

He should've stepped down a while ago. What a dirty little sneak.

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ethics • Travel • South Carolina • governor • Mark Sanford • travel expenses

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Sanford Flew to Hair Cut, Kids' Games on State Dime