Local legislators call for Sanford's resignation

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.