The Buzz: Sanford's new talent: Swallowing his tongue

The Buzz did a double-take this week when Gov. Mark Sanford's spokesman Ben Fox said the governor would have no comment on the Board of Economic Advisors cutting more than $120 million from the state budget.

Usually after such a budget cut, Sanford issues an "I-told-you-so" statement and pulls out the 27 color, glossy charts with the circles and the arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one explaining just how dire the situation is in South Carolina these days. And Sanford always demands lawmakers return to Columbia and rewrite the budget to target cuts.

But not last week. Last week was just "no comment," leaving The Buzz to wonder why?

Sanford is usually so dependable and consistent on policy positions, why the change now?

Sure, lawmakers would have to vote to change their sine die resolution setting the rules for what they could talk about during a special session.

And a budget session would mean hours and hours of House and Senate leadership hammering out an agreement while most lawmakers sat around looking for something to do.

But what would Sanford have to worry about from lawmakers filling their time that would cause him to renege on long-held positions? The Buzz just can't think of what it might be ...

Jenny Sanford: No sale

First lady Jenny Sanford has no intention of selling merchandise bearing her name despite a July trademark filing giving Sanford control of merchandise to be sold online with her name.

Sanford's spokeswoman, Meg Milne, said the filing was made to protect the first lady from others using her name to hawk goods.

Jenny Sanford said this in a prepared statement.

"There was never an intention to profit off this trademark or sell merchandise, only an effort to protect my family's privacy and my name from inappropriate use and product placement going forward."

Sanford will be selling one thing, a book. Sanford's book is due in April, and the first lady is expected to talk about her life after her husband, Gov. Mark Sanford, admitted to an extramarital affair.

Censuring Graham, part 2

The Charleston County branch of the South Carolina Republican Party censured U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham last week for playing nice with Democrats on climate legislation. It is the second time a county party has voted to censure Graham. Last year, the Greenville County Republican Party also voted to censure.

Among other things, the resolution passed Monday says Graham has weakened and tarnished the Republican brand by working with Democrats such as U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts.

The online world was atwitter.

Here's a sampling:

- From a Washington Post opinion writer blog: "You know what will tarnish the Republican brand? Leaving no room in the party's ranks for those who prefer to act on the preponderance of scientific evidence that indicates the world is slowly, but significantly, warming."

- Politico.com got a statement from U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson:

"Lindsey Graham has been a great leader for our state and party. I appreciate everything he has done for me and his tireless work in helping Republicans at all levels of government. He's a team player. Ronald Reagan always said that people who agree with you 80 percent of the time should be considered a good friend. Reagan was a wise man, and if we want to build a strong, vibrant Republican Party, we should follow his advice."

- The Huffington Post talked to Katon Dawson, the former state party chair and a recent candidate for Republican National Committee chairman:

"There is a price to pay back home when you partner with John Kerry," Dawson said. "There is a price you pay when you have photo ops with Hillary Clinton. But Lindsey has always been willing to pay that price."