SC residents shocked over Sanford confession

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By Christy Hutchings - bio | email

HARDEEVILLE, SC (WTOC) - It's one of the hottest stories around the country today. A Republican Governor caught in a sex scandal and just about everybody has an opinion.

"He was where? He was where?" asked Clare Smith of Hardeeville. That's the first thing that came to mind when she learned where Governor Mark Sanford's been these past few days.

"First of all I can't imagine that his wife wouldn't know where he is but to be told the Appalachian Trail. I mean to fabricate something that far out is amazing and then a no call, no show to the office, really?" said Smith.

She's not the only one shocked. At Smitty's Bar and Grill in Hardeeville it's all anyone was talking about.

Betty Bush was glued to the television when the Sanford story aired on our 5pm news. Bush says Sanford needs to step down.

"He's unfaithful, he doesn't tell the truth, conniving, deceitful, and you are the Governor of South Carolina and you're supposed to set standards for the rest of us and you don't. If we followed in your footsteps where would be?" asked Bush.

And they weren't the only ones talking. Over at Okate Ale House it was also the topic of discussion. After finishing up a song John O'Gorman made this comment to his patrons.

"If you're here with somebody you shouldn't be, you're going to be on TV," said O'Gorman.

He was only joking. Everyone laughed, but there too folks both outside and inside the restaurant were buzzing about the news.

"I think he got caught with his pants down, really," said Cliff Powell of Columbia South Carolina, "I think he's lied to his family, he lied to the people of South Carolina, now he's trying to get support. I don't think he'll get that support."

Even folks who don't live in South Carolina weighed in on the debate. "If they got all the politicians for that we wouldn't have any left," said Jeff Helmintoller of North Carolina, "I guess his personal life should be kept personal."

O'Gorman did us a favor and over his microphone asked the crowd what they thought of the Governor. The responses mixed, some boo's, some clapped. Others said "no comment."

The lines are clearly drawn. Some are still backing their governor, while others are done with him.

See more on this developing story, http://www.wtoc.com/global/story.asp?s=10587560