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Lawmakers call for investigation into Sanford's actions
Posted: 06.26.2009 at 11:44 PM
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While Governor Mark Sanford apologized for his recent actions and admitted his personal lapse affected many in state government, some critics want South Carolina's chief executive investigated.

One of Sanford's most vocal critics calling for a full investigation into the governors trips to Argentina, where he had an affair with a Buenos Aires woman.

"He's like a rat in a trap. He no longer wants the cheese, he just wants to get out," says Senator Jake Knotts.

Knotts formally announced he's asked the State Law Enforcement Division for a criminal investigation into what he calls Sanford's mis-use of public funds. A SLED spokeswoman says as of right now, the agency won't be pursuing a criminal investigation.

"People we've got a governor that's out of control," says Knotts.

A downward spiral that Knotts says started last June when Sanford asked for more economic development meetings in Argentina during a state funded commerce trip to the country and Brazil. Sanford admits meeting up with his mistress on that trip but says he'll reimburse the state for the Argentina part of it.

The senator says, "There are people in the penitentiary who would love to have the chance to pay back the local 7-11 they robbed."

Knotts isn't the only lawmaker looking for answers. Representative Boyd Brown sent a letter to Attorney General Henry Mcmaster requesting a grand jury investigation.

"The Governor spent $8000 on a side trip to Argentina by the Commerce Department. To me that's misconduct in office," says Brown.

Both Brown and Knotts aren't asking for the governors resignation. The senator calls Sanford's recent actions a double standard saying, "If a state employee is out of work for three days with no notice, they're fired."

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