Wall Street Journal: Sanford still in veepstakes

Gov. Mark Sanford was mentioned by The Wall Street Journal editorial page as a credible candidate to serve as a Republican vice  presidential candidate.

Sanford's stumbling CNN appearance, where he struggled to find an example of a difference between McCain's economic policy and that of an unpopular George Bush, was a minor setback, according to the Journal.

Here is what the Journal wrote about Sanford:

"South Carolina's Mark Sanford, now in his second term as Governor, is unknown to most voters but is well liked among GOP activists for his reform credentials. Elected to Congress in 1994, he kept his promise to serve only three terms. As Governor, he's pushed for lower taxes, less spending and more school choice for disadvantaged kids. Mr. Sanford did stumble recently during a CNN interview, going blank when asked to name policy differences between Mr. McCain and President Bush. Still, it was a minor misstep, and Mr. McCain could do worse."

Comments

[Lifetime SC resident]

I am a native and lifetime resident of SC and know without a doubt there would be NO ONE WORSE for John McCain to choose as a running mate than Governor Mark Sanford. Unlike the WSJ comment, Mark Sanford has NOT pushed for lower taxes OR less spending in SC.

He certainly HAS NOT pushed school choice for disadvantaged kids. He is pushing school VOUCHERS for those who can afford to privately educate or home school their children.

Mark Sanford is a "wolf in sheep's clothing" and I pray John McCain is not fooled by Sanford's FALSE charm and charisma.

[Stephen]

It doesn't matter who his running mate is, I'm not voting for a faux-conservative. My vote goes to Bob Barr, the Libertarian Party's nominee for President. Check out his website (www.bobbarr2008.com) and you'll see just why he's a conservative and McCain isn't.

[Also a Lifetime SC resident]

Sanford would be a good choice because he is a fiscal conservative, which is exactly what we need after 8 years of Bush spending.

Furthermore, he advocates vouchers because they increase the quality of education for everyone, not just the wealthy. Why does our society hate the upper class so much anyway? Their taxes pay for the things the rest of us enjoy.

[Chet]

Sanford should admit he is a Libertarian and not a traditional Republican. Enough of these rumors! It won't happen.

[C. NELSON]

I'm comfortable with Governor Sanford being chosen for Senator McCain's ticket. Governor Sanford would round out the ticket nicely although it would be a lose for our state. Governor Sanford has been a great Governor and he will be missed once he has left office. I admire him and wish him only the best in his future. SC has been blessed with him as a public servant.

[Jessica]

Constitution=.....Chuck Baldwin

[CH Mueller]

I don't believe Sanford would make a good president, in the likely event that McCain dies or becomes too ill to serve. As far as a loss, (should he(Sanford) be chosen as a running mate) I think SC would survive nicely.
The voucher doesn't increase the quality of education to anyone. Vouchers would be given to those that send their children to non-public supported schools. Some parents would not have the money upfront for tuition, so this favors the more affluent.

[Dave]

Mark Sanford is my all-time favorite elected official. He is the tax-payer's best friend. He believes in limited government and being a good steward of the resources that taxpayers have entrusted. Our state legislators, Republican and Democrats alike, are back-scratching, favor-trading, pork-barrel, drunken-sailor spenders who are more interested in exploiting the perks of the good 'ol boy club in Columbia than in doing anything productive for the citizens of this state.

Vouchers or tuition tax credits would, in fact, improve education for all in this state but the powerful education establishment has a vested interest in maintaining the status quo which is why we will continue to vie with Georgia and Mississippi for the worst public education system in the country.

Sanford has tried to introduce market principles to education and state government in general but has been turned back by the good 'ol boys at every turn.

While I think Sanford would make a great VP, I doubt that McCain would choose him.