SPEAK OUT: Would Sanford Candidacy Be Bad for State?

The most-talked about candidate in the most-talked about race in South Carolina will have no shortage of obstacles if he’s to be elected.

Since letting it be known that he’s going to pursue the 1^st Congressional Seat vacated by the ascension of Tim Scott to the Senate, former Gov. Mark Sanford has assumed the role of early frontrunner.

Sanford should be able to raise the most money of any of the candidates whose names are being floated as possible contenders. And none of the rumored names can match his name recognition. But, as everyone knows, Sanford’s name recognition is not simply due to his status as a former governor.

Multiple sources have told Patch that there is a sentiment within Republicans ranks in South Carolina for Sanford to stay out of the race and some of that sentiment comes from surrogates of elected officials.

Those uneasy about a Sanford candidacy point out that L’Affair Maria will have to be rehashed again and that will take away from the type of issue-based race that they believe is needed. The race is going to be brief anyway, they say, and spending time discussing Sanford’s private life won’t be helpful. The spectacle of A Sanford campaign won’t do any favors for South Carolina’s national reputation either.

Those who spoke to Patch could simply be planting seeds of doubt to benefit candidates they prefer, but some former Sanford loyalists aren’t too enthusiastic, either. Former aide Chris Drummond has already committed to work for the campaign of Teddy Turner.

One source told Patch that Sanford asked former wife Jenny to run his campaign—as she had run his previous campaigns for the House and Governor’s office. The former First Lady declined the offer.

So, would a Mark Sanford candidacy in SC1 be bad for South Carolina?

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