Updated: 12/3/09 11:22 p.m.
Read more: Local, State, Politics, Mark Sanford, Impeachment, South Carolina, Governor, Ethics
Attorney Kevin Hall argues before a House panel Thursday why Gov. Sanford should not face impeachment.
/ Courtesy SCETV
COLUMBIA -- A House panel considering the possible impeachment of Gov. Mark Sanford voted Thursday to dismiss the majority of ethics charges against him on the grounds the counts are not impeachable offenses.
Committee members unanimously agreed during a half-hour meeting to eliminate 28 of the 37 counts faced by the governor.
Committee chairman Jim Harrison said the governor may still face fines from the State Ethics Commision, but the offenses are not serious enough to warrant removing Sanford from office. The panelists dismissed 18 counts of Sanford accepting upgraded business-class airfare and 10 counts of improperly using campaign funds to pay for personal expenses.
"Much of it, we don't believe, constitutes a violation at all," Harrison said. "The ones that might constitute a violation don't rise to the level of impeachment."
The governor's travel and expense records have been under scrutiny since he admitted to leaving the country in June for a five-day secret affair in Argentina.
Harrison said Thursday he expects the panel will finish its investigation and take a vote Monday as to whether to recommend impeachment charges go forward.
Sanford attorney Butch Bowers praised the dismissal of most charges and said the move vindicates the governor.
"This decision confirms that Governor Sanford has followed the letter and spirit of the law," said Bowers.
While dismissing the majority of charges, Harrison defended the committee's remaining charges and said Sanford could still face possible impeachment.
"When you hold yourself out as the champion of frugality you get yourself a little closer scrutiny," said Harrison.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
