AP: Bauer Says Sanford Should Remain In Office

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The man who would replace South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford if he resigned over his affair with a woman in Argentina says the governor should remain in office.

Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer told The Associated Press on Friday that he will try to help Sanford through the remaining year and half of his term. It was Bauer's first interview since Sanford revealed the affair Wednesday.

Bauer told AP that he and Sanford talked Thursday. Bauer says the two men did not discuss the possibility of a resignation.

Bauer and Sanford are Republicans, but they are not allies.

Bauer is expected to run for governor in 2010, but has not formally announced his plans. He did tell AP that he would have an advantage in the 2010 campaign if Sanford resigned.

Today Bauer released the following statement:

"Clearly the events of the last week have been emotionally difficult for everyone involved.

Mark Sanford now has some painful issues to resolve with his sons and his wife. I appreciate his plea for a zone of privacy around his family. I came from a broken family. I absolutely understand the trauma and confusion his sons are feeling, because when I was 10 years old the same pain rocked my life.

I assure you that Mark’s children need their father, and especially his reassurance that they will always enjoy a special place in his heart.

Even as we give Mark some space on his family issues, we must press ahead at the problems that are vexing all the families in our state.

We must stay focused on the big picture, which is the need to produce jobs and prosperity for our people in South Carolina.

Double digit unemployment, combined with fewer job opportunities, demands the best of our government.

All of our government. All of the time.

These are real issues that require answers – answers I am committed to finding – and it is where I am urging my esteemed colleagues in the Legislature – Democrat and Republican -- to apply their focus.

As far as the issue of the Governor is concerned, we do have lots of questions – and the people are deserving of answers. We have constitutional questions – we need to ensure there is never any doubt over who is responsible for the safety of our citizens at any given time.

There are questions about how tax dollars and resources are spent and have been spent – and why. Fair and complete answers will restore confidence in our government

And finally -- there are questions – legitimate ones – about where we go from here.

However, do not look to me to be engaging or joining in calls one way or the other as they relate to Governor Sanford.

From my perspective it’s simply counterproductive. My focus is on my responsibilities, and what I can do to help our state – and our citizens -- as we struggle to revive our great state, recover our pride, and begin moving forward."