Sanford takes stressed family to England

LONDON, July 23 (UPI) -- South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford and his wife and children arrived in London Thursday for a two-week vacation, a Sanford spokesman said.

Spokesman Joel Sawyer said the vacation was planned before Sanford's admission he had an affair. The family is to return August 5.

It is the Republican governor's third trip out of the state since admitting to an affair in June, Politico reported.

"It's not unusual for the governor to take some time away in the summer with his family," Sawyer said. "He will be in contact with other state officials and staff throughout the trip, and will continue conducting the business of the state."

Sanford and his wife, Jenny, said they are trying to heal their marriage after the affair the governor admitted this summer.

"I've apologized for that mistake," Sanford said of the affair. "I've said all I'm going to say on that one. Life and the choices that we make begin each day anew."