Many of the reactions from Republicans Friday to Lt. Gov. Ken Ard’s resignation referred to sadness; Democrats were less sympathetic

‘They are good people’

“Michael and I appreciate the service Ken and Tammy Ard have given to the state of South Carolina. They are good people who have given much of their time and efforts to Florence and the state as a whole. I valued Ken’s partnership and wish Ken and his family all of the best going forward.”

Republican Gov. Nikki Haley’s statement

‘I hope we can put this behind us’

“This is a sad day for South Carolina. I hope we can put this behind us and move on.”

Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham’s comment on his Twitter account

‘Resignation will help our state move’ forward

“Lt. Gov. Ard has taken responsibility for his actions. His resignation will help our state move past this sad and unfortunate incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ken and his family during this time.”

S.C. Republican Party chairman Chad Connelly’s statement

Nothing but ‘regret and shame’

“I’ve never heard him speak of what he did without anything but regret and shame.”

Brant Branham, Ard’s chief of staff in the lieutenant governor’s office

‘State government has been in ... total chaos’

“This saga is not solely about Lt. Gov. Ard. South Carolina state government has been in a state of total chaos for the last decade. Between governors Sanford and Haley, our government has reached an unbelievable low. It’s simply sad.”

State Sen. Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg

‘Just the latest in a ... 10-year history of criminal conduct’

“Ken Ard’s plea and resignation today is just the latest in a long 10-year history of criminal conduct on the part of the Republican Party’s officials. ... When the voters of this state go into the voting booth this fall, they will have an easy choice. They can vote Republican and continue the decade-long rule of corruption or reject it for change and vote Democratic.”

Dick Harpootlian, S.C. Democratic Party chairman