S.C. Rep. Tom Young, R-Aiken, doesn’t want the controversy surrounding Gov. Mark Sanford to be a distraction when the General Assembly convenes in January and, in that regard, believes an independent prosecutor should be considered to explore the possible misuse of state funds.

Last month Sanford admitted to an affair with an Argentine woman and has reimbursed the state $3,300 for a taxpayer-funded trip to Argentina.

In a speech at the Rotary Club of Aiken and in a subsequent interview, Young said his constituents have been asking questions about the governor. [Read more...]

Since my last column in this paper last month, the South Carolina House of Representatives concluded the 2009 session and we all learned about the bomb shell involving Governor Sanford and his extramarital relationship last week. The purpose of this column is to keep you informed about what is going at your State House.

First, as to Governor Sanford. He has broken the public trust and now has to answer questions about his actions. There will be an investigation into the year long scenario involving the Governor and his mistress and whether state money was used by the Governor to facilitate his relationship with her. The Governor has to be forthcoming; open; and honest with the people as all facts are uncovered. It is too early to tell whether the events and subsequent investigation will result in the Governor’s resignation. Whether it does or not, it is important that the State get beyond this mess so that our leaders in State Government can focus on the State’s problems. It is also important for all of us to remember Governor Sanford and his family in our thoughts and prayers during the days and weeks ahead. My prayer is for him to reconcile with his wife and children. [Read more...]