Some S.C. GOP say they want Sanford out

COLUMBIA, S.C., June 29 (UPI) -- Some South Carolina Republican lawmakers are saying they would like GOP Gov. Mark Sanford to step aside, even though Sanford has indicated he will stay put.

Sanford last week publicly confessed he had been unfaithful to his wife with a woman living in Argentina. The admission came after he returned to South Carolina from Argentina, ending a weeklong mystery about his whereabouts.

After coming clean, Sanford has spent the last several days apologizing for the affair to key lawmakers and Republican Party activists, The State in Columbia, S.C., reported Monday. He also has agreed to reimburse the taxpayer money spent on portion of a state Department of Commerce trip to Argentina during which he visited his lover.

Lawmakers "have given (Sanford) 72 hours of breathing room," said Katon Dawson, immediate past chairman of the state Republican Party. "But I think, early next week, their patience will run out."

Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler, a Republican, said Sunday senators are divided on whether Sanford should resign.

House Majority Leader Kenny Bingham, also a Republican, said any decision about resigning was up to Sanford alone.

"I feel like it is clearly his decision to decide if he can lead or not," Bingham said. "I am willing to give him that opportunity if he wants to take that chance."