>>>>>>
>>>>>>And what do you know, another self-righteous moralist was cheating on his wife. I'm shocked, shocked, I tell you. <vbg>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>It almost makes you long for the good old days when it was Democratic politicians who couldn't keep their pants on ;-)
>>>>
>>>>C'mon, don't ignore the (a-hem) upside for Republicans -- at least this time it involved heterosexuals. ;-)
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Actually I pity the guy. These things are not for public sport. He should invite all first-stone-caster types over for a big "family" cookout after resigning. Leaving w/o redirecting governing powers to the lt. is what has no excuse. Next is reasonable questioning about any tax-payer monies involved. Oh wait. Isn't he a first-stone-caster type anyway? Haha Figures.
>>>
>>>I think the issue is not so much the affair (at least it didn't involve a cigar in his gubernatorial office), but rather the absence without a clear emergency action plan in his absence and the lack of knowledge and planning with the state. Just as Clinton's affair was not about the affair but rather perjury. I know some folks see dishonesty and breaking a marriage vow as an example that the person would not honor a contract with the people as well or look out for their best interests instead of his own, but I'm not sure that can be true in all cases.
>>
>>In my view, there are two issues here. The first is the question of his leaving without setting up back-up. That's irresponsible.
>>
>>The affair itself is an issue only because he promoted himself as part of the "family values" group. If you're going to present yourself as better because you're for those family values (however defined), then you ought to behave that way. Otherwise, you're a hypocrite and you deserve to be taken to task for it.
>>
>>Tamar
>
>There's a short, but interesting article here:
>http://www.examiner.com/x-2466-NY-Conservative-Examiner~y2009m6d25-Governor-Sanford-family-values-and-conservatives

One comment on this piece: This sentence "The problem for Republicans is that there is a double standard in the media for this sort of behavior between themselves and Democrats." is belied by facts. Dems in sex trouble mostly resign. Republicans don't. See my earlier message in this thread.

I have a little trouble taking the guy seriously when he talks about the "pro-socialist media." But his point that family values shouldn't be part of the political discussion is reasonable.

Tamar