Sanford Has Traveled To Argentina Before... On Taxpayer Dime

Details are emerging that could further cloud Gov. Mark Sanford's story about the affair with a woman in Argentina.

A Democratic source, who asked to remain anonymous, called to alert the Huffington Post that the Republican Governor has traveled to the South American country before, on the taxpayer dime. From an Associated Press article in December 2008:

Gov. Mark Sanford ranks in the top 50 based on the total amount that he spent on trips paid by his office and those paid by the state Commerce Department. Sanford has traveled to China, Argentina and Brazil through the Commerce Department, which has travel reports showing taxpayers covering $21,488 for those trips. Sanford also spent $1,976 in travel through his office. The figures don't include Sanford's occasional use of a state airplane, Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer said. The Commerce-paid trips benefit South Carolina, Sawyer said. For instance, in October, FITESA, a Brazilian fabrics maker, announced it would spend $120 million on a Laurens County facility and create 80 jobs. 'I would say it was probably worthwhile,' Sawyer said.

Meanwhile, on the more comedic side, the governor frequently referred to Argentina's economic history during speeches. DemConWatch also noticed Sanford's interest in the country, including his repeated statements, starting as early as 2002, that America was becoming Argentina circa the 1920s.

Our net international debt is approaching 300 percent of annual exports. Again relevant because countries like Brazil and Argentina saw their net indebtedness rise to only slightly more, around 400 percent of their national exports, at the height of their financial crisis. - State of the State Address 2005

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Comments

[Jaxy]

I do not for a moment condone Mark Sanford's conduct.

However, the more I read of the email correspondence between he and Maria, the more it seems that he actually loved her. It appears they shared a rather profound and rare relationship.

Isn't that what most of us hope for? Sadly, in this case, it happens to be totally out of order.

[socalgal59]

So he should have divorced his wife

[Jaxy]

Agreed. Remains to be seen if what the lovers feel for each other will withstand this scandal. And if he will, ultimately 'follow his heart' - back to Argentina.

[chancher]

Here's the best way to determine who the next hypocritical Republican politician to go by the wayside is going to be. List comments by these politicians about "the sanctity of marriage", "the sin of homosexuality", "Christian values' , ' family values", etc. The one with the most comments is going to be the next one outed. Who know, this could be a new game show!

[Wombaticus]

What a shame this whole thing is. I didnt know a thing about this guy a few days ago, but this is what I can glean from the many recent articles:
- From his fiscal statements he actually has an idea of whats wrong with the American economic model. Our debt is unsustainable with our ability to pay. That's an inconvenient truth.
- his trips certainly seem to have resulted in a very good business deal for his state...(not that this short article has the whole story on that)
- He probably met The Woman on one of those business trips. (my supposition)
- The real problem here is that he has spent his life pointing fingers at the indiscretions of other people. Now he has found himself in a similar place and must face his own justice.
- In America culture, you reap what you sow. Too bad for you Mister Sanford, your birds have come home to roost and any good you might have been able to do is now gone forever.

The lesson I see is the eternal one of charity and empathy that underlies all the great world religions. So much pain is due to all these hardcore religionists ignoring that.

[nick1936]

Let me get this straight a Repuk who used Tax Payers money to get laid???

[johnnygoodwud]

at this rate, i might switch over and become a rethug, and run for pres. any running mates out there?

[TrueD]

Mark Sanford said: "It is my personal view that the largest proclamation of one's faith ought to be in how one lives his life.". Maybe it's time that he put his 'faith' back in his pants.

[harmonikasavingsbonds]

And did he even bother to THANK the taxpayers for his booty call?

[Adartist777]

Sanford should pack up and move down to Argentina. What am I saying? I should pack up and move down to Argentina! Last one to the topless beach is a rotten egg!

[eatyourveggies]

Some have called Sanford a "principled politician...who follows his philosophy."

Okay, denying unemployment benefits to people who've lost their jobs...what principle does that uphold?

Cruelty? Let them eat cake?

None I can see.

[Adartist777]

It's easy to deny unemployment benefits when you live an elitist lifestyle. By the way, the cake was finished off hours ago.

[littlepuffycloud]

The cake, along with strawberries and whipped cream.

[trisha08]

I have to say, I am impressed with his writing skills. I say he should resign and become a writer of Romantic novels. The dude has a talent.

They are pretty hot coming from an uptight Southern "Christian".

[douc66]

Gov. Sanford,

Dude, for the sake of the GOP you should resign!

Signed,

Sen. Ensign
Sen. Vitter
Sen. Craig

[nquotes]

There's talk out there that he'll resign... http://www.enewsreference.com/wordpress

[LiberalUnderYourBed]

That would be the correct and ethical thing to do.... don't hold your breath.

[BMS]

So, he fought tooth and nail to refuse federal stimulus funds for unemployed people in his state, who are trying to feed their children, but the taxpayers' money was good enough to pay for his vists to his piece of tail on the side?

All righty then.

[dayala]

exactly...the Repugs have fined-tuned 'hypocrisy' to an art....fiscal responsibility is for everyone else BUT THEM.

[LiberalUnderYourBed]

And if the dolts had an opportunity to vote for him again they probably would.

[CR46]

Not only using taxpayer money to visit his "booty" call, but an expense trip to go to Argentina just to get laid. Maria must either want to be in the USA very badly, or he told her the family money was his not Jenny's. Pretty bad if an american guy can't even get laid in the states!

[ruth606]

Okay, but does she like Boca or River Plate?

[einzelgaenger]

Absolutely the most important question here is his favorite team. The politicos (like former Ambassador James Cheek for Bill Clinton's admin) are wise to select another of the "big 6": San Lorenzo on their colors resembling the US flag, Racing Club if they want to coddle to peronists, Independiente on the freedom connotations, or Velez Sarsfield if they are like Andy Rooney...
But if he became a fan of either Boca or River, he's hopelessly smitten both with his lover and Argentina...

for the record, my team is "Gymnastics and Fencing of La Plata" (el Lobo)

[ruth606]

Let's face it, aren't we all at least just a little bit smitten with Argentina, even though some are reluctant to admit it?

I love how you give me the English version. ;)

I'm a Boca girl.

[lagumbo]

Fixed Noise [fox] , hannity's report says he didn't lie, his wife knew, he was up front with it. Hannity says Sanford is no SPitzer. Spitzer had a hooker, so Sanford is better. ha ha ha ha . Sanford will be forgive, so says hannity. I say before the years is out their will be at least three more family values guys, will show their family values in living color. Anyone wants to take me up on it?

[LiberalUnderYourBed]

..and Hannity will defend them all.

[Adartist777]

Wonder what skeletons are in his closet?

[CR46]

Wow, cheating with someone you spent yrs building up an "emotional" affair with, flying out of the country on multiple occassions to visit your lover in another country,investing time and all that energy that should have gone to his own family and thats somehow better than a hooker according to Sean Hannity. As a woman (and if my husband ever cheated I'd be calling a lawyer the minute I found out) I think this extremely close and emotional relationship is actually worse than the hooker scenario.