Sanford schedule for week of Aug. 31

Gov. Mark Sanford's staff has released Sanford's public schedule for this week:

Monday: Orangeburg Kiwanis Club at 1:00 p.m. (2745 Griffith Drive, Orangeburg, SC).                      

Thursday: Budget and Control Board at 1:30 p.m. (Governor's Conference Room, Wade-Hampton Building).    

Among other meetings of note this week, Governor Sanford will be briefed by the Department of Health and Environmental Control about preparation and response plans for potential H1N1 outbreaks in South Carolina; hold a meeting on natural gas exploration off the coast; continue stops on economic development; and join a conversation with other governors on health care.

Drake video calls for Sanford's removal

Clyburn golfing with Obama

U.S. Rep. James Clyburn will be in the foursome playing golf with President Barack Obama this week as the president vacations in Martha's Vineyard.

The New York Times reports Clyburn, a Columbia Democrat, will be in the golf foursome that also includes Robert Wolf, the chief executive of UBS, and Marvin Nicholson, an aide to the president.

Clyburn, the third most powerful member of the U.S. House, is on vacation, too, as Congress won't reconvene until Sept. 8.

McMaster to annouce at Columbia small business

Attorney General Henry McMaster will make a formal announcement about his plans to enter the 2010 governor's race at a Columbia small business Tuesday at 11 a.m.

McMaster, who is expected to seek the Republican nomination for governor, will outline his economic development plan at Thermal Engineering Corporation in Columbia.

 

Jenny Sanford pals: First lady is a role model

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Friends of first lady Jenny Sanford told the "CBS Early Show" Jenny Sanford is aware she is a role model for women dealing with unfaithful husbands.

"She's very grounded in faith and principles," said Sanford friend Marjory Wentworth.  "... Everyone has horrible things happen to them. She's showing what happens when you make your decisions on principles."

Gov. Mark Sanford admitted in June a yearlong affair with an Argentine woman. Jenny Sanford recently moved out of the S.C. governor's mansion with the couple's four sons.

Wilson town hall moved to Lexington High

U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson will host another town hall meeting to discuss health care. Wilson has moved the meeting to a larger venue, expecting a big crowd.

THURSDAY
What: U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson hosts a town hall
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Lexington High School Cafetorium

Ketner endorses Rex for governor

Charleston businesswoman Linda Ketner, who lost in her 2008 Congressional bid for the first district, has endorsed state Superintendent of Education Jim Rex in his bid for governor.

“Jim Rex is a man of honor and integrity – a real servant leader,” said Ketner.  “This economy is in crisis, and I know he has what it takes to create jobs, repair the economy, and bring credibility and trust back to the state’s highest office. He has been a courageous leader for our schools, making progress in the face of falling budgets and partisan bickering, and that’s exactly what he would do as Governor.”

Rex has filed paperwork with the state to begin raising money for a gubernatorial run. He will make a final decision on his candidacy this month.

If Rex runs, he will enter a suddenly crowded field seeking the Democratic nomination that includes:

Charleston pastor Amos Elliott
Columbia lobbyist Dwight Drake
Charleston Sen. Robert Ford
Charleston Attorney Mullins McLeod
Kershaw Sen. Vince Sheheen

McLeod petition urges Sanford's resignation

Democratic gubernatorial contender Mullins McLeod has begun a petition demanding Gov. Mark Sanford resign from office.

"When Governor Sanford’s behavior was first exposed, I reserved judgment while others tried to score political points on what initially appeared to be a personal matter," said McLeod in a prepared statement.

"The recent developments, however, go far beyond the problems in his personal life and have hurt the state by misusing tax payer monies when we can least afford it." 

Sanford has been pressured to resign in some quarters after revealing a yearlong affair with an Argentinian woman. Questions have been raised about Sanford's use of the state plane for personal and political travel. Use of the plane is limited to state business.

Ott endorses Sheheen; won't run for governor

House Minority Leader Harry Ott, D-Calhoun, has decided not to run for governor and is instead backing Sen. Vincent Sheheen, D-Kershaw.

The two served in the House together from 2001 to 2004.

"South Carolina is at a pivotal juncture,” Ott said Tuesday in a prepared statement. “I believe it’s time we elect a governor we can all be proud of  -- one who has the character and integrity to help this great state find its way again. Vincent Sheheen is that person. I am excited to endorse Vincent Sheheen for governor of South Carolina, and I will work to help him get elected.”

Battling Sheheen for the nomination is Charleston attorney Mullins McLeod, Sen. Robert Ford of Charleston, Columbia lobbyist Dwight Drake and Charleston pastor Amos Elliott.

S..C. Education Superintendent Jim Rex is mulling a run.

Sanford back from Europe

Gov. Mark Sanford returned from a two-week vacation today saying he is ready to get back to work. Sanford spoke with a reporter from Charlotte's WBTV, saying he was ready to now focus on economic development and government restructuring. This vacation was Sanford's third trip out of state since he admitted to an extramarital affair on June 24.