Sanford use of air travel called illegal

August 11, 2009|Associated Press

WASHINGTON - Governor Mark Sanford of South Carolina broke state law when he charged taxpayers for more expensive business and first-class flights, the chairman of the legislative committee investigating Sanford’s international travel said yesterday.

State Senator David Thomas, whose Budget Committee investigated Sanford’s flights, sent evidence to Senate leaders showing that the Republican governor violated state laws requiring use of the cheapest travel possible.

Thomas said that Sanford’s more expensive flights on two trips cost the state $13,700 more than economy class flights available and that legislators can consider sanctions against Sanford ranging from demanding reimbursement to impeachment.

“It could be perceived, if it’s significant enough and a case can be made of it, to constitute a case for possible impeachment,’’ Thomas said.

Sanford, 49, has been under increased scrutiny since admitting in June to having a mistress in Argentina. He has vowed to stay in office and says he is trying to reconcile with his wife, who has moved out of the governor’s official residence to live at the family’s beach house with their sons.

Thomas, a Republican who has announced his candidacy for Congress, said the budget subcommittee that he chairs will also investigate Sanford’s use of state planes and report those findings to lawmakers.

The Associated Press has reported that Sanford used state aircraft for personal and political trips, a practice that is contrary to state law.

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