Mr. Delleney testified that South Carolina??s constitution includes some of the broadest definitions of all states when it comes to when a governor can be impeached ?? a provision that dates back to its very first constitution as a founding colony.
But several lawmakers said polls and their own conversations with South Carolinians indicated a desire to move on from this topic and let Sanford serve out his term, which ends next year. Politically, many lawmakers also have concerns about allowing Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer to take over the reins of the state.
??A vote for censure is not an endorsement for the governor, quite the contrary,? said Mr. Smith. ??This is a political decision that looks first and foremost at the interests of the people of South Carolina, where the governor has caused us far too much harm, and the impeachment process will continue that harm, and generate more harm than good.?
Rep. Leon Stavrinakis said Sanford has been ??working hard? since this summer to make up for his mistake. And while he??ll likely not face an embarrassing removal from office, the affair has taken a toll on the governor. His wife, Jenny, filed for divorce last week.
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politic...t-be-impeached