Statement by Senator Hugh Leatherman
"The governor’s disclosure of infidelity is of course troubling to all South Carolinians. However, my thoughts and prayers are with the Sanford family during this time of personal crisis. I prefer to make no further statement at this time about the issue.
"But there is the issue of governance that we must address.
"For five days the governor let his staff deceive the press and the people of South Carolina regarding where he was and what he was doing. He was not clear at his news conference about how it happened, but allowing such deception is a betrayal of the public trust.
"Moreover, he essentially decided to stop being governor during his trip, a decision he is not entitled to make.
"He deliberately cut himself off from anyone in the state during this time, creating uncertainty and confusion about who was in charge of the executive branch of government. This negligence had potentially serious consequences since only the governor is empowered to make certain decisions in a crisis.
"This unfortunate event has brought to light some issues regarding the chain of command in the absence of the chief executive. It is imperative that the General Assembly deal with this during the next session.
"Today’s events are profoundly sad and troubling. I prefer to take time to consider their implications on the people of South Carolina before making further comment."
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