Message to Mark Sanford: It's Over
Last night, wanting to take my mind off the brewing storm over the Sanford scandal, I watched Comedy Central, as I often do on Wednesday nights. South Park and Reno911 were - to be expected - light-hearted breaks from the current storm, but John Stewart's show led off with discussion of Sanford's affair and thirty minutes later, Stephen Colbert talked about it as well.
Let's face it, when your troubles have made it into their shows, you've really blown it. Such media coverage is a big sign that this mess is a long way from over - for him, for his family, and for the entire state. They also remind us of the continued irrelevance of the Sanford gubernatorial administration.
But it wasn't the affair that signalled the end of the Sanford administration as a relevant part of state government - the recent budget veto overrides told us that. In a strange sort of way, the media storm has actually given him more attention than he's had in a long time.
While Mark Sanford is right in that South Carolina's Governor should have more authority, his continued presence in the office will work against that goal. Mark Sanford's opponents have long had the votes to push their agenda over his legislative vetoes, but now they will use this to look for any and everything they can use to impeach him. Failing that, they will use this scandal to find ways to further limit the power of future Governors.
Power in South Carolina is already dangerously unbalanced. We cannot afford for it to become even more so.
While I argued that Sanford and his family should be shown a little mercy by his opponents, it's obvious that's not going to happen. They're not going to let up until he is gone, even if such a quest takes up a large part of next year's legislative agenda. Given his sinking standing in the polls, voters aren't likely going to object - and given the current problems in this state, we cannot afford to spend next year in a legislative inquisition.
Anyway you look at it, the Sanford administration is over. If there was nothing he could accomplish before this, there's certainly nothing he can do now. For the best of all concerned, it's time for him to resign so the state, and his family, can move forward.
Let's face it, when your troubles have made it into their shows, you've really blown it. Such media coverage is a big sign that this mess is a long way from over - for him, for his family, and for the entire state. They also remind us of the continued irrelevance of the Sanford gubernatorial administration.
But it wasn't the affair that signalled the end of the Sanford administration as a relevant part of state government - the recent budget veto overrides told us that. In a strange sort of way, the media storm has actually given him more attention than he's had in a long time.
While Mark Sanford is right in that South Carolina's Governor should have more authority, his continued presence in the office will work against that goal. Mark Sanford's opponents have long had the votes to push their agenda over his legislative vetoes, but now they will use this to look for any and everything they can use to impeach him. Failing that, they will use this scandal to find ways to further limit the power of future Governors.
Power in South Carolina is already dangerously unbalanced. We cannot afford for it to become even more so.
While I argued that Sanford and his family should be shown a little mercy by his opponents, it's obvious that's not going to happen. They're not going to let up until he is gone, even if such a quest takes up a large part of next year's legislative agenda. Given his sinking standing in the polls, voters aren't likely going to object - and given the current problems in this state, we cannot afford to spend next year in a legislative inquisition.
Anyway you look at it, the Sanford administration is over. If there was nothing he could accomplish before this, there's certainly nothing he can do now. For the best of all concerned, it's time for him to resign so the state, and his family, can move forward.
8 comments:
OK MR HIGH FUCKIN MIGHTY, LET'S SEE WHERE YOU HAVE ANY ROOM TO TALK. A RICH ASS LIKE YOU SHOULD BE HUNG FOR THE WHORE YOU ARE!
That guy dont like you a bit.
Like the great Earl Capps is one to be talking about "balance"?
Like the cowardice of Anonymous posting is the moral high ground...
for the Klan and Dems maybe.
When are you going to resign? Your time is up.
Well the other thought is he stay in office the legislature focus on him and no no more harm to the state as a result!!
Wow, Earl -- Anon #10:09 doesn't care for you. Nary a bit. But I do. Oh, yes I do.
Why didn't you tell us you were rich?
I need a sponsor! Just like Maria!
1624, I was rich until I had teenagers. They'll suck the life - and wealth - out of anyone and anything.
I'm not sure if we've met before ... Hi, I'm Earl, I'm a sellout for the education establishment, Ken Ard and all sorts of unsavory characters. Nice to meet you.
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