McMaster Requests SLED Review of Sanford's Travels

Attorney General Henry McMaster announced in a Tuesday news release, "In light of the governor's disclosure of additional travel today, I have requested that SLED conduct a preliminary review of all Governor Sanford's travel records to determine if any laws have been broken or any state funds misused."

SLED Director Reggie Lloyd said late Tuesday afternoon that there is no investigation currently open. He said that his agents have requested documents from the governor's office, and that the governor's office is cooperating.

Lloyd said right now, there is no sign of criminal wrongdoing.

In response, the governor's office released the following statement:

"We're pleased that SLED will look into this matter," Gov. Sanford said. "There's been a lot of speculation and innuendo on whether or not public moneys were used to advance my admitted unfaithfulness. To be very clear: no public money was ever used in connection with this. We believe the best way to put those questions to rest once and for all is for SLED to ask these questions, and we plan on cooperating fully."

In a lengthy, emotional interview with The Associated Press, the governor described seven meetings with the woman, including their first in 2001. Sanford says there have been five over a 12-month period, including two multi-night stays with her in New York.

It was the first disclosure of any get-togethers with her in the United States and contradicted a public confession last week during which he admitted to a total of four encounters in the past year.

He previously announced he would reimburse the state for money spent during a government trip to Brazil and Argentina in June 2008. But he insists no public money was used for any other meetings with her.

State Senator Victor Sheheen made a statement Tuesday calling for Sanford's resignation. He said, "As a husband and the father of three young sons, I am truly saddened about the challenges facing the Sanfords, and I wish them God's blessings. Let me be clear: the Governor's private failings are not the issue. But his failure in his public office and the repercussions affect us all."

Sheheen continued to say, "The governor's office is a place for leadership, not a forum for self-healing. And that is why, with much regret over the circumstances that have brought us to this point, I believe Governor Sanford should take the only action that will allow South Carolina to move forward. He should resign his office."

In an interview with Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer today, he said he didn't know either way if Sanford should be investigated, but said, "I don't have enough information before but, but if people are raising questions, we should provide answers."

Bauer remarked about a conversations with Sanford days ago. "He just said you know we started out this process a long time ago and we were friends, along the way we have drawn apart. It's a little sad for me to even think about it, because we philosophically much wanted the same thing for the people of South Carolina. He also said he had thought he would be a lot better person for what he was going through, and I said I understand that all too well cause some of the decisions that I've made. I did tell him I was praying for him, and with that the phone conversation ended."