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'Zen-Like' Sanford Embarks on Forgiveness Tour

South Carolina governor on 'forgiveness tour' despite mounting pressure

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 2, 2009 8:03 AM CDT

(Newser) – South Carolina Republicans say they have the votes to impeach Mark Sanford, but the philandering governor tells the Wall Street Journal he's not going to "crawl into a cave." In his first major interview since his affair in Buenos Aires, Sanford says he has a "zen-like" acceptance of his diminished role, and he's undertaking a "forgiveness tour" to win back voters' support. "My life is without distraction," the governor says.

Sanford refuses to comment on his relationship with his wife, Jenny, who left the governor's mansion with their four children—though he does say they saw each other last weekend. The governor wants to push through a few final priorities, including constitutional reform, but the voters who've turned up at Kiwanis Club meetings and other functions are less convinced. "He kept saying, 'We're going to do so-and-so,'" said one man who voted for Sanford twice. "How many 'we's does he think he's got behind him?"

[Images (6)]

[Quotes (2)]

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford listens to remarks during a Budget and Control Board meeting in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain/FILE)

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford announces that he will not resign at a news conference in Columbia, S.C. Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Virginia Postic)

Jenny Sanford, in yellow top, carries out her belongings from the Governor's Mansion with help from unidentified friends Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford tries to compose himself as he admits to having an affair. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

Gov. Mark Sanford responds to questions as he explains his opposition to a proposed coal-fired power plant in Florence County. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain, File)

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford pauses during a news conference in Columbia, S.C. where he admitted to having an affair and that was the reason why he was in Argentina. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

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I have a newfound level of humility, knowing how hard I work and how hard I push is not the ultimate driver of change. Power resides with people. - Mark Sanford, governor of South Carolina

The unfortunate thing is this has been all-consuming. We aren't talking about jobs, we aren't talking about education. He should consider what is happening in the state and go ahead and resign. - Rita Allison, Republican state legislator

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'Zen-Like' Sanford Embarks on Forgiveness Tour