Statement of SC First Lady Jenny Sanford

Released Wednesday afternoon, June 24, 2009

"I would like to start by saying I love my husband and I believe I have put forth every effort possible to be the best wife I can be during our almost twenty years of marriage. As well, for the last fifteen years my husband has been fully engaged in public service to the citizens and taxpayers of this state and I have faithfully supported him in those efforts to the best of my ability. I have been and remain proud of his accomplishments and his service to this state.

I personally believe that the greatest legacy I will leave behind in this world is not the job I held on Wall Street, or the campaigns I managed for Mark, or the work I have done as First Lady or even the philanthropic activities in which I have been routinely engaged. Instead, the greatest legacy I will leave in this world is the character of the children I, or we, leave behind. It is for that reason that I deeply regret the recent actions of my husband Mark, and their potential damage to our children.

I believe wholeheartedly in the sanctity, dignity and importance of the institution of marriage. I believe that has been consistently reflected in my actions. When I found out about my husband's infidelity I worked immediately to first seek reconciliation through forgiveness, and then to work diligently to repair our marriage. We reached a point where I felt it was important to look my sons in the eyes and maintain my dignity, self-respect, and my basic sense of right and wrong. I therefore asked my husband to leave two weeks ago.

This trial separation was agreed to with the goal of ultimately strengthening our marriage. During this short separation it was agreed that Mark would not contact us. I kept this separation quiet out of respect of his public office and reputation, and in hopes of keeping our children from just this type of public exposure. Because of this separation, I did not know where he was in the past week.

I believe enduring love is primarily a commitment and an act of will, and for a marriage to be successful, that commitment must be reciprocal. I believe Mark has earned a chance to resurrect our marriage.

Psalm 127 states that sons are a gift from the Lord and children a reward from Him. I will continue to pour my energy into raising our sons to be honorable young men. I remain willing to forgive Mark completely for his indiscretions and to welcome him back, in time, if he continues to work toward reconciliation with a true spirit of humility and repentance.

This is a very painful time for us and I would humbly request now that members of the media respect the privacy of my boys and me as we struggle together to continue on with our lives and as I seek the wisdom of Solomon, the strength and patience of Job and the grace of God in helping to heal my family." 

York County Republican Party Chairman, Glenn McCall released the following statement on June 24th on the Democrat's "cap and trade" legislation: 

All cost estimates agree that consumer's energy costs would increase over time under the Democrat's "cap and trade" bill anywhere from $800 to $1,500 per year for a family of four. And those are the most conservative estimates.  Other estimates involve higher costs to the average American family. It seems the only plan President Obama hasn't considered is one that will lead to lower energy costs, more jobs, a cleaner environment and energy independence.

Representative John Spratt is undecided how he will vote on this legislation, so let's help him make up his mind. Click on the following links to contact your representatives in Washington and ask them to vote NO on Cap and Trade:

Rep. John Spratt - www.house.gov/spratt

Senator Lindsey Graham - www.lgraham.senate.gov

Senator Jim DeMint - www.demint.senate.gov

WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee released a new web video on June 22nd on the Democrats’ “cap and trade” legislation.  The web video, entitled “Lights Out,” can be viewed here:

Choice gaining bipartisan steam despite Sellers’ attacks

The following appeared in the State by Glenn McCall as a guest columnist in response to an article by Representative Bakari Sellers (D) (Click here for the Sellers article)

The S.C. Republican Party stands behind all parents who want to choose a better education for their children — and we’re not alone.