SC Governor Sanford Admits Extramarital Affair

(Columbia, South Carolina) Republican Gov. Mark Sanford of South Carolina revealed today that, during a five-day unexplained absence, he was in Argentina with a woman other than his wife.

Sanford admitted that he "did" have sex with that Argentine woman and immediately resigned his position as president of the Republican Governors Association.

"The bottom line is this -- I've been unfaithful to my wife," the governor said during a news conference at the State House in which he paused several times to compose himself. He admitted lying to his staff about his whereabouts and said he had been in Argentina with a woman whom he didn't name.

In a statement, Jenny Sanford, Gov. Sanford's wife, said she knew of her husband's infidelity and asked him to leave two weeks ago.

Mr. Sanford said he has known the woman for eight years and that the relationship turned romantic within the past year. He profusely apologized -- to his wife and four sons, his staff, the people of his state and "people of faith" around the country.

Gov. Haley Barbour of Mississippi takes over as head of the Republican Governors Association.