Tallying the Calls For Sanford's Resignation

Posted on 01. Jul, 2009 by Tim Kelly in SC Politics

The knives are increasingly out for the Undone Gov, and the calls for his resignation are coming fast and furious now. We'll use this thread to “keep score” as it were. If you see a legislator, newspaper or conservative talk show host throwing Sanford under the bus, post it in the comments here.

So far, here's what we have.

Republican Senators:

Seven GOP senators issued a statement/letter last night that not only called on Sanford to quit, but also sounds as if it could have been written by me. Example: “”We must have strong leadership from a Governor who is focused and trusted. Governor Sanford is neither.” Signees include:

  • Harvey S. Peeler
  • Hugh K. Leatherman
  • Thomas C. Alexander
  • Paul Campbell, Jr.
  • John M. “Jake” Knotts, Jr
  • Larry A. Martin
  • William H. O'Dell

In addition, Kevin Bryant and Larry Grooms are on record as wanting the Undone Gov's head. John Courson and Wes Hayes are said to be leaning that way.

Democratic Senators:

While most are just chuckling silently – having realized Mark Sanford was a loon before it was cool – Sen. Vince Sheheen has publicly called for the Undone Gov's resignation.

Republican House Members:

  • Lanny Littlejohn
  • Dennis Moss
  • Steve Moss
  • Eric Bedingfield
  • Greg Delleny
  • Carl Gullick

We're waiting to see if Joey Millwood will announce his decision on a mug.

Democratic House Members:

We know Todd Rutherford has gone public, and Boyd Brown has called for a state grand jury, and we're waiting for more.

Other Prominent GOPhers:

The biggest name is SC RNC member Glenn McCall, but two past executive directors of the state GOP, Jay Ragley and my old colleague Hogan Gidley, have also called for resignation.

Daily Newspapers:

The State urged him to stay before yesterday's relevations, but six others have editorialized against the Undone Gov (with links to their editorials):

Stay tuned.

Updates:

(11 a.m.) – We can now add Wes Hayes and Shane Martin, and we have word that Danny Verdin is “on board” as well.

(2:30 p.m.) – Ronnie Cromer makes 13 GOP Senators (via Peter Hamby/CNN). Rep. Dan Hamilton also calls on Sanford to consider resigning.

(5:45 p.m.) – Sen. Pres. Pro Tem Glenn McConnell calls on Governor to “do the right thing” for the state and his family, bringing the GOP Senator count to 14. Sanford ally and 2010 Gov candidate Rep. Nikki Haley wants the Gov to layout his game plan for moving forward, saying she's “willing to listen to that case, but if he cannot make it convincingly, then he must move on.”

(11:30 p.m.) - Senators David Thomas and Phillip Shoopman are calling for the Gov to step down, along with Gresham Barrett.

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