THEIR VIEWS

THE PROS and cons keep circulating among South Carolinians over Gov. Mark Sanford's revelations. It has become obvious that this controversy is not about to go away and that, too, is the chastised governor's fault.

First it was the extramarital affair with his "soul mate" in Argentina. That was followed by vows of working to rebuild the trust of his wife, his family, the state Legislature and the people of South Carolina. Sanford's regret appeared to be sincere ... up to that point. He might have accrued a degree of public understanding and even compassion had he let it go at that. However, he kept talking, and the more he talked the more came out about other incidents and that created more backlash.

Just when it seemed that Sanford might have learned a very important lesson, he ups and talks about "crossing another line" by admitting non-sexual encounters with other women over the years. The governor might have been able to withstand the fallout from the scandal longer had it ended with his tearful public confession. ... As the glare of negative publicity continues to shine on South Carolina, and the controversy grows, getting any positive work done would take a leader firmly and honorably comfortable on a pedestal of chastity and not one who has proven to be a mere human with feet of clay.

The best thing for South Carolina at this point, without doubt, is for Sanford to resign. He keeps losing ground. Let some level of normalcy return to the Statehouse before more damage is done, not only to the reputation of the entire state, but to the public trust that is absolutely necessary for a sound, productive and, most of all, a principled government.

The Greenwood Index-Journal

GOV. MARK SANFORD should resign immediately and allow South Carolina to begin picking up the pieces. The two-term governor has destroyed any shred of credibility with his lies unnecessarily added on top of other lies. His ability to govern this state has been compromised so severely that he cannot fulfill the duties required of this state's governor until a successor takes the oath of office in January 2011. ...

South Carolina cannot endure another 18 months of Mark Sanford's meltdown. This state cannot hold its collective breath, waiting for the newest revision to Sanford's story of lies, deception and adulterous flings. And the workings of state government, including the most important one of improving this state's damaged economy, cannot grind to a halt while a thorough investigation is conducted into what Sanford has done in office and how he has spent taxpayers' dollars. ...

The man who would succeed Sanford is Andre Bauer. The lieutenant governor comes with his own baggage, and he has over the years acted in immature ways and raised questions about his judgment. But twice voters elected Bauer knowing full well that circumstances could require him to move into the Governor's Office. Those circumstances are upon us now.

Mark Sanford should resign as the governor of South Carolina. If he doesn't, state legislators must move quickly to salvage the authority and dignity of the Office of Governor.

The Greenville News

GOVERNOR'S LATEST revelations affect his credibility and make it advisable for him to resign. Gov. Mark Sanford's latest revelations to The Associated Press are likely to further erode support for him among South Carolinians and fellow elected officials. He would help himself and the state by resigning from office.

Sanford, in his tearful and rambling confessions during a news conference a week ago, gave every impression he intended to come clean with the public about a secret trip to Argentina and a long-standing sexual relationship with an Argentine divorcee. Painful as it was, Sanford stated, he was determined to fully disclose and apologize for his transgressions.

But now we know that wasn't the full story. ...

The state deserves more than an irrelevant caretaker in the Governor's Mansion.

We suspect public officials will carefully consider the various political ramifications before joining the chorus calling for Sanford to step down. We hope they will conclude that, whatever reservations they might have about Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, he would be preferable to Sanford as governor through 2010.

Whatever occurs after that regarding the governorship will be decided by the voters.

We do not believe a single adulterous affair should be the sole criterion for asking the governor or any other public official to resign. But we believe Sanford also is guilty of breaching the public trust, disregarding his official duties, and embroiling himself in personal problems that could affect his ability to serve.

That's enough to warrant his resignation.

The (Rock Hill) Herald