Sanford skips meetings for trip with wife

“This trip is personal in nature, and we’re not going to offer any further comment,’’ Sawyer said. “The governor remains committed to repairing the damage he’s done to his marriage, and so it shouldn’t be any surprise that spending personal time with his wife is a part of that process.’’

Sawyer said meetings skipped this week will be rescheduled.

When the state’s unemployment numbers came out a month ago and set a record, Sanford was with Chapur in Argentina. He later called her “the love of his life’’ and his “soul mate.’’

Sanford had no public schedule this week, but had private meetings planned, including one with John Rainey, the chairman of the state Board of Economic Advisors. That state revenue oversight board is expected to reduce its forecast today and probably trigger across-the-board spending cuts at agencies. The state’s spending has fallen by more than $1.2 billion in the past 12 months, or nearly a fifth.

The state’s unemployment numbers are expected tomorrow. South Carolina’s jobless rate in May was 12.1 percent, a record for the state and the nation’s third-highest.

“I think his preoccupation with his personal life right now is certainly expected but doesn’t serve the state very well,’’ said state Senator Larry Martin, a Republican.