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

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.

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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."

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