Mark Sanford shows once more he's not fit for office

One week ago, we called for Gov. Mark Sanford to resign. The bizarre, unfolding tale of his wandering ways and crumbling personal life only reiterates that point. It is time for Mark Sanford to resign as governor, allowing the state of South Carolina to get on with business (and out of the national punch lines) and let Sanford tackle the formidable task of repairing a life he has pushed to the brink.

Sanford's latest admissions - of additional dalliances with the woman he dubbed his soul mate and "crossing the line" with other women through the years - makes everyone wonder: What's next? When will the next admission be? And what will it be? How much more must we endure? The answer should be none.

Mark Sanford's political career is dead. He even acknowledges he is watching his own "political funeral." His bitter stimulus fund battle is over, and he was heading into the lame duck stretch of the final 18 months. The people of South Carolina should not have to endure 18 months of Sanford explaining his actions or revealing other indiscretions. Critics of the cries for resignation often cite that this is a personal matter. He is our state's top public official, and his private life is clearly having a major impact on our state. We would all be better served if he retreated to private life. If he is genuine in his desire to repair his shattered marriage, he should focus on that, away from the spotlight that is required for our top official.

President Bill Clinton's affairs have also been brought out, along with a label of hypocrisy for Sanford critics. It should be noted in 1998, when the Monica Lewinsky affair was dominating the headlines, the Aiken Standard called for the president to resign, "sparing the nation months of agony." The same standard is applied to Mark Sanford. He has lied. He has cheated. He has let his family and his constituents down. Our state must heal without him. His family can only heal with him and without the baggage of the office he holds.