COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford says he will reimburse the state for an economic development trip he took to Argentina last year during which he met with his mistress.
The Republican said in a statement Thursday that he visited with the woman during the trade mission to Brazil and Argentina last June. Sanford said he "made a mistake" in seeing the woman while in Argentina.
State Commerce Department records indicate more than $8,000 was spent in airfare, lodging and meals. The governor's statement does not say how much he will pay back.
The South Carolina Senate's top leader said calls for Gov. Mark Sanford's resignation will mount if evidence emerges that he used state resources on his affair.
Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell said Thursday the calls would only increase if it could be shown that Sanford deliberately tried to avoid transferring his authority while out of touch for four days. Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer said Wednesday he was not aware of any state funds being used in Sanford's pursuit of an affair in Argentina. He said no state resources were used for travel arrangements.
Sanford has also scheduled a special meeting, which will be his first planned appearance since going public with his extramarital affair. Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer said the week's tumultuous events are on the agenda for the Cabinet meeting Friday. State business also is to be discussed.
On Wednesday, Sanford returned from visiting his mistress in Argentina and admitted to the affair. First lady Jenny Sanford said she and the governor are living apart but trying to reconcile.
Some Republicans are calling for Sanford's resignation. He spent much of Thursday with his wife and children at their beach house on Sullivans Island. He shook his head "no" when asked if he planned to resign.
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