Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009

Sanford stands firm against Bauer's call to resign

Lt. Gov. Bauer: Governor should resign

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thestate.com video: Andre Bauer demands Sanford's resignation

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Gov. Mark Sanford said Wednesday he won’t be “railroaded” out of office, rejecting the latest request that he resign. Sanford spoke after Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer became the highest ranking Republican to ask the embattled GOP governor to quit.

Bauer said he would not run for governor if Sanford resigns or the House moves to impeach him in the next month.

Otherwise, Bauer said he will run for governor.

“The serious misconduct that has already been revealed along with lingering questions and continuing distractions make it virtually impossible for our state to solve the critical problems we’re facing without a change of leadership,” Bauer said at a noon press conference.

“That is why I must now call upon Governor Sanford, in the interest of our state, to resign,” said Bauer, who sent a letter to the governor, requesting his resignation. “It is why I myself will lead the way by putting the best interests of the people of South Carolina ahead of my own personal and political interests.”

Sanford declined Bauer’s request that he quit, saying later Wednesday he would not yield to political pressure.

“I’m not going to be railroaded out of this office,” Sanford said. “A lot of what’s going on is pure politics.”

Sanford said he wants a State Ethics Commission investigation to look into the allegations against him and “actually look at reality,” defending his record as a fiscal conservative.

“I think it’s wrong to try and rewrite history on that front,” Sanford said of allegations that he has improperly used state assets.

Sanford claimed past governors also flew business class/first class on the state’s dime and that some lawmakers have used the state plane to attend weddings and other personal events.

Bauer’s intent is not to persuade Sanford to step down, two Bauer confidantes said.

Instead, Bauer is sending a message to hesitant lawmakers — including Republican House members who will meet this weekend in Myrtle Beach — to join an effort to oust Sanford.

Some lawmakers have been hesitant to push for Sanford’s resignation or impeachment, fearing either would give Bauer an unfair fundraising advantage in the 2010 governor’s race, as well as on-the-job training.

Sources with rival campaigns estimate that Bauer, as governor, could raise an additional $1 million for the 2010 race. Bauer raised the fourth-most money in the second quarter among the five-candidate GOP field.

“Bauer is a runoff winner. I know,” said state Sen. David Thomas, R-Greenville, who ran for lieutenant governor in 2002, losing to Bauer in a runoff. “They don’t want him to have a leg up.”

Thomas predicted Bauer’s offer will force House lawmakers to move.

Bauer’s offer also gives him time to achieve some goals as governor and reappear politically later.

“(Bauer) is 40. He comes back at 44, 48 and takes a shot at whatever (office) interests him,” said Thomas, who chairs a Senate subcommittee investigating whether Sanford broke state regulations, including using state aircraft for political reasons and failing to report private plane rides from friends.

An impeachment effort must begin in the House. If two-thirds of House members vote for impeachment, the case then moves to the Senate, where members act as a jury.

“If there’s a failure on the House to act after what Andre has just done, there needs to be a shaking of the foundation,” Thomas said.

State Rep. Greg Delleney, R-Chester, who also has called for Sanford’s resignation, said Wednesday he will support or draft an impeachment resolution when lawmakers return in January and is confident it will make it the House floor for a vote.

Ultimately, however, House leaders including Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, will help determine whether impeachment gets any traction.

Harrell said Wednesday he is in a wait-and-see mode.

“Any actions taken by the General Assembly regarding Governor Sanford must be based on the facts, free of any political motives,” Harrell said in a statement. “That is why I have supported the call for a full investigation into these charges against Governor Sanford by the State Ethics Commission. The report from the commission should be the basis the House uses to take appropriate actions.”

Harrell is one of three GOP leaders who called for an Ethics Commission investigation two weeks ago. Sanford spokesman Ben Fox said Wednesday that the governor does not know whether an investigation has been launched.

The Ethics Commission normally operates in secret. But Sanford — who has advocated open government — could waive confidentiality and allow the commission to investigate publicly.

‘IT’S BIZARRE’

Critics said Bauer’s offer is proof he can’t win in the crowded 2010 gubernatorial race.

“It’s all about Andre,’’ said state Sen. Phil Leventis, D-Sumter, who lost to Bauer in the 2002 general election.

“It’s bizarre to have a high public official saying, ‘I’m going to help the state by agreeing not to serve past these next 16 months.’ Andre’s personal behavior and professional behavior as lieutenant governor kind of cements the fact that he ain’t that good a candidate for governor.’’

Bauer’s maturity has been called into question.

In 2003, Bauer was stopped in Columbia for speeding. The police officer drew his gun after Bauer got out of his car and approached in what the officer said was an aggressive manner.

In May 2006, Bauer told the Greenville News he would not run for governor in 2010.

Bauer’s camp said Wednesday that it’s unfair to compare Bauer’s public pledge Wednesday not to run with a three-year-old quote during a contentious lieutenant governor’s race.

“Apples and oranges,” said Bauer consultant Chris LaCivita. “At the end of the day, Andre Bauer is exerting leadership and putting the people of South Carolina first, something that the current governor doesn’t have a clue about.”

Greenville-based political consultant Chip Felkel praised the politics of Bauer’s announcement, adding he also understands if the public doubts Bauer’s word.

“He has been less than firm on his commitment,” said Felkel.

This time, however, Bauer can not back out on his pledge, Felkel said. “His credibility as a candidate would be shot.”

Staff writer Sammy Fretwell, sfretwell@thestate.com, contributed to this report.

Reach Smith at (803) 771-8658.

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