At least four members of the Aiken County legislative delegation are calling on Gov. Mark Sanford to resign.
Sen. Shane Massey told Sanford it was time he stepped down during a phone conversation between the two Wednesday.
"I thought I had an obligation to tell him what I think," said Massey, a Republican from District 85. The two had a "long" talk over the phone.
"(My conclusion is) based on the whole sequence of events."
Rep. Don Smith, issued a strong statement Wednesday saying Sanford's credibility is shattered.
"He is an embarrassment to this state and a source of humiliation to his family," said Smith, a Republican who represents District 83. "I have serious questions of his ability to function as governor, as he appears to be unstable."
On Tuesday Sanford met with reporters and revealed more details about his affair with an Argentine woman, dalliances with women before her, and his struggle to love his wife of 20 years again. Since then there have been more calls Sanford to resign.
Smith said he now regrets that he supported Sanford for governor. "Like many I had great faith in him. I was wrong."
"He sounds like a teenager in describing his physical attraction to this woman and referring to her as his soulmate. At this time he cares only for the fulfillment of his ego and his personal gratification," Smith said.
Republican Rep. Roland Smith, District 84, also wants the governor to step down. "The more he talks the more embarrassing it is to the state."
Roland Smith said he thinks there are efforts behind the scene to convince the governor to step down. "I've got grave concerns about what's going on."
Rep. Tom Young, a Republican from District 81, said the state needs leadership now. "We need a governor who can focus on providing leadership. I question whether he can do that."
Reps. Kit Spires (R-District 96), Bill Clyburn (D-District 82) and Jim Stewart (R-District 86) said they're waiting before commenting on whether or not Sanford should resign.
Spires and Clyburn are waiting on the State Law Enforcement Division's investigation to see if laws were broken.
"I still think he's basically a decent man," Clyburn said. He is concerned about Sanford's ability to lead the state if he stays in office, but is withholding judgement until he knows more.
Stewart wants to see what happens during the next week or two before making a decision. "I don't think we should try and convict him based on what we read in the newspaper. "It's heartbreaking to me. It continues to get worse everyday."
Sen. Greg Ryberg, R-District 24, and Sen. Nikki Setzler, D-District 26, did not return phone messages Wednesday.
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Comment Title:
How did the "LUV GUV" react when 'Lil SHANE" the 30 year old wiz kid told him to resign. I could him laugh all the way from Columbia. This republican party in this states is a joke.
Posted by: On: 7/1/2009
Comment Title: Our Aiken Delegation Finally Acting for Us Re: Sanford
I knew that Shane Massey (who is not my senator but the one I go to when I need to know something) would step forward in time. He is not a rash person and wants to determine the facts before he acts. I applaud him and the others who were not dragging their feet, but knew there was more to learn. Don't look for Ryberg (who is my do-nothing senator) to side against a fellow millionaire. Another one who puts self before service. Yes, Sanford has hurt his wife, his family, his political party and his state. He is a man of poor judgement and very immature. The best thing he can do for eveyone now is man up and resign. I wonder though, if he can do that. If not, then our other elected officials will have to take care of the matter.
Posted by: On: 7/1/2009
Comment Title: Revamp Columbia
There are no sincere or honest politicians. All of them Republican and Democrats should be replaced. The only thing that the people of South Carolina should do is review all candidates credentials morally and thier ability to lead. Sandford should resign.
Posted by: Robin On: 7/1/2009
Comment Title:
I was away livingin a differnt are for 10 yrs,,,,,how has RYBERG mangaged to go unopposed for 2 decades??????? don't people in Aiken see that he is a crotchety old yankee windbag????? the democrats never put anyone up against him???
Posted by: Mista ChaChinger On: 7/1/2009
Comment Title:
LMAO...yes what did the Governor of Coosaw have to say to "little shane" during this "long" talk...the vipers are starting to turn on one another...and where is RYBERG??? any othe time his arrogant yankee @@@ would be front and center
Posted by: On: 7/1/2009
Comment Title:
Hey Shane when you spoke to Sanford, did the "LUV GUV" recommend any good restaurants in New York, or a couple places to hold "prayer meetings"????
Posted by: On: 7/1/2009
Comment Title: Clyburn wake up
So with all the lies, phony expense receipts, "soul mates" and MIA for several days. Bill Clyburn says "I still think he's basically a decent guy". My oh my Bill, your a real student of people! Your judgement of this "decent guy" leaves me with a lot of doubts about you and they way you represent your district. What about values, knowing from right and wrong , and setting good examples for our children. You sir, apparently have a lot to learn. I am now commencing to understand how the likes Ryberg get elected and re-elected with such an attitude that you express.
Posted by: On: 7/1/2009
Comment Title: Finally!!
Well it took time, but finally Massey and Young came forward and have requested Sanford to resign. Felt the heat didn't you boys. Regarding RYBERG this guy has shown nothing but his "loyalty" to his pal Sanford, and has been completely indifferent in this matter. The arrogance he displays is unacceptable and the good people of Aiken want better representation that RYBERG has given . Apparently the good folks are feeling the mood of change and more importantly the need for SOLID REPRESENTATION in Columbia. All you had to do it pick up the phone.
Posted by: On: 7/1/2009
Comment Title:
No surprise in Setzler & Ryberg not calling back. They won't do it for voters, so you reporters should not take it personally.
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