S.C. court says Sanford report is public
COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina’s Supreme Court ruled yesterday that an ethics investigation into Governor Mark Sanford’s travel must be made public, clearing the way for lawmakers considering impeachment to review a report on the probe.
Sanford’s lawyers had tried to keep a report on a criminal investigation by the State Ethics Commission from being released to the House of Representatives as leaders there decide whether to move forward with impeachment efforts.
The commission’s investigation was launched after Sanford returned from a five-day rendezvous with an Argentine lover in June that prompted investigations by the Associated Press into his travel practices. The AP found Sanford used state airplanes for personal and political purposes; used pricey commercial travel despite a state low-cost travel requirement; and did not report private plane trips given by friends and donors.
Sanford spokesman Ben Fox referred questions to the governor’s lawyers. The governor’s lawyers said they want the public release of a complete report once it is complete.
“We believe that once all of the facts and the complete story are on the table, people will see that this administration has consistently been a good steward for the taxpayer,’’ said a statement released by Sanford lawyer Butch Bowers.
The Ethics Commission’s director, Herb Hayden, said he is awaiting some final information from Sanford’s lawyers before finishing the report to give to the commission.
