Tom Davis, Sanford's Former Chief Of Staff, Surprised (VIDEO)

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The former chief of staff for South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford says he was completely surprised by his friend's confession to having an affair and the next few days will be key to show whether his apology is sincere.

State Sen. Tom Davis said Thursday that he expects Sanford to survive as the state's chief executive. He says people of South Carolina have a tremendous capacity for forgiveness.

Watch:

Watch CBS Videos Online

But Davis also says the next few days will be critical as people decide if Sanford is sincere about taking responsibility for his actions.

Sanford apologized directly to Davis during a rambling news conference Wednesday, the same day Davis found out about the affair.

Davis has been friends with Sanford for 30 years. He appeared on ABC's "Good Morning America" and CBS' "Early Show."

Get HuffPost Politics On Facebook and Twitter!

Comments

[nellpost]

http://www.blackvoices.com/boards/entertainment/entertainmnt/entertainment/sanford-latino-lover-pics/268755/1?utc=true

[lvdragonlady]

As long as Americans accepts the wrong doings of politicians, NOTHING is going to change.
Unless things have changed in the last 20 years, I believe he was suppose to contact the State Dept. before leaving the country, which he didn't do. Therefore he broke a federal regulation for all government employees and elected officials.

[Saxton]

Of course he will survive because he is a republican white male, so of course it is okay for him to rewrite the playbook any way he or the republicans see fit. If you read the definition of hypocrisy you will see one word - Republicans. The people of S.C. understand the rules quite well, wealthy white men are entitled to do anything they want and not be held accountable for their actions, especially by the tax payers. I'm sure with a few more crocodile tears, a few more counseling sessions with his minister, some more public proclamations of "dear God, forgive I have sinned," and finding someone else to blame all will be fine between the governor and his people.

[tm22]

So, what you are saying is, South Caroline folk know "their place" let "the man" to do what ever he wants as long as he acts sorry for a few days until all this blows over nationally...I see....

My, my, Mr Stanford, you sure know how to play your multigenerational dysfunctional constituents.

[avshanbh]

Sanford's girlfriend:
http://zippy1300.blogspot.com/2009/06/maria-beatriz-norfal-mistress-of-gov.html

[jazabelz]

I can't believe that Davis had no idea what ws going on!!! He merely covered for his boss and so-called friend. Guilt by association!

[Grunty1]

[State Sen. Tom Davis said Thursday that he expects Sanford to survive ]

Is there a guess that "Maria" had an STD?

[CR46]

I'm guessing pregnancy.

[Disdain]

If you were his friend, you would tell him to go home and try and salvage what's left of his family life.

[NextYearLions]

It was a hetero Republican affair, which makes it okay. He apologized, asked God for forgiveness, now he is okay with his party....

Jeez.

[Grunty1]

I think they will throw him under the bus. SC is a rather safe Rushpublican state and they tend to sacrifice their members when the replacement is safe.

[jazabelz]

Except Rush said he didn't really see what the big deal was. Sandord is in love and that makes it okay!

[jonjon66]

Looks like ha has family values guys Joe Scarborough full support.

Whats does Joe do, immediately start attacking Dems for what their friend and great white guys South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford.

So we see the talking points, they always start with how the Dems view the fallen.

Some family values Joe

[AnalyzeIT]

No doubt he will survive - but hopefully NOT as Governor of South Carolina.

When a Governor goes missing without, apparently, telling anyone where he is? That is dereliction of duty and, in my opinion, he should face impeachment.

This has nothing to do with partisan politics. And I really hope that the people of South Carolina take this opportunity to rid themselves of a guy who is clearly unfit for the position he holds.

A man who is more concerned about getting to his lover, (and crying) than the welfare of the people in his state - does not deserve to serve that state as Governor. Especially a HYPOCRITE preaching family values.

However, whether he stay sor goes, his credibility is LOST.
*
*

[frappe]

Davis, yes, he will "survive" -- physically. But politically, his career is kaput.

[dax49]

if sanford had any class, he would wipe away his tears long enough to apologize to president clinton for all of the nasty remarks he made when clinton was being hounded

[VOTER]

I agree but we, both, know Sanford is a Rethug and has no class, at all.

[Bude]

Survive politically? Not a chance. When even Sean Insanity thinks he should resign, you're toast. I bet they've laid odds in Vegas, and there's brisk book on this one. I'm thinking even odds it will be Friday at 6pm eastern time..

[Whinger]

I'm just an irresponsible, untrustworthy, middle age crazy sorts guy!

I'll do my penance routine and the brethren will publicly forgive me, everything will be fine!

[Sumocat]

Survive? He left his state and cut contact without putting anyone in charge. He argues for fiscal conservatism, but flew to Argentina to sleep with his mistress. Hey, you know what's less cost-effective than refurbishing an old park? Flying to Argentina for a booty call! The affair itself, while quite sensational, is actually the least of his concerns. Sanford's antics have cost him all footing on any issues of responsibility.