Indigo Journal

Have you no sense of decency, Governor? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?

Posted on 28. May, 2009 by Tim Kelly in SC Politics

With apologies to Joseph N. Welch, it seems we're justified in asking if the “Governor” of South Carolina has finally lost any sense of propriety in his quest for personal power.

Two days ago, Mark Sanford and his free attorney made a big show out of refusing to respond to a state lawsuit “…originally filed by former S.C. Democratic Party Chairman Dick Harpootlian and former video poker operative Dwight Drake.”

Less than 24 hours later – once it became apparent that the state Supreme Court would accept jurisdiction in the case and scheduled oral arguments – Sanford decided he better play ball anyway, and his attorneys asked to be made a party to the case.

The Court consented – with the condition that “…the Governor will continue to meet the requirements of intervention and joinder, including the requirement that his joinder not deprive this Court of jurisdiction over the subject matter of this action [emphasis added].

Just before the deadline of 5 p.m., Sanford broke that agreement and filed to remove the case to federal court.

Sanford spokespup Joel Sawyer told The State, “Our goal is to combine all of these cases into one action so it can be handled as quickly as possible.”

Yeah, right.

For his part, Harpootlian isn't buying it, and took Sanford to task for his deception:

“The Supreme Court allowed Governor Sanford to intervene after the deadline with the condition that he not deny them jurisdiction. He then denied them jurisdiction. This is conduct unbecoming of the Governor or any other elected official. Why is he running the Federal Court from state court when he has made a career out of condemning federal interference in state affairs?”

Another legislator and attorney I spoke with was more adamant.

“Basically, Sanford lied to the Supreme Court – I've never seen anything like it,” said the legislator. “He's like a kid who lies, cheats and pitches a fit – anything to get his way. Regardless of what happens with this case, I think it's grounds for impeachment.”

Federal Judge Joe Anderson has scheduled a hearing Monday on the Edwards case and a separate state suit filed against Sanford and education superintendent Jim Rex to decide whether to send those cases back to the Supreme Court.

“It's anybody's guess what Judge Anderson will do,” said our legislative source. “But Sanford's done two things – he's moved us closer to the July 1 deadline to get the funds, and he's done serious damage to whatever hopes he has for running for President. You don't lie to a court and get away with it.”

Stay tuned.