House panel considers Sanford impeachment

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COLUMBIA, S.C., Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Members of a special South Carolina House subcommittee are meeting to consider whether to recommend impeachment of Republican Gov. Mark Sanford.

The seven-member panel was expected to discuss Sanford's use of state-own aircraft during its scheduled meeting Tuesday, The (Charleston) Post and Courier reported.

The panel will convene Thursday to discuss Sanford's questionable campaign reimbursements -- totaling less than $3,000 -- and his use of first- and business-class airline tickets despite state law requiring the least expensive air travel possible be used, the newspaper said.

State Rep. Jim Harrison, the Columbia Republican leading the impeachment talks, said he wants the subcommittee to use several meetings to discuss the topics included in the State Ethics Commission investigation report that charged Sanford with 37 possible violations related to using his public office for personal financial gain.

Panel members penciled in possible meetings for Monday and Dec. 9 as they determine whether to advance an impeachment resolution to the full House Judiciary Committee.

State Republican Rep. Greg Delleney filed the resolution to remove Sanford based on his five-day disappearance in June to Argentina to visit his mistress.

State Attorney General Henry McMaster also is looking into the possibility of criminal charges against Sanford.