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Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Gov scandal changes landscape for 2010
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Gov. Mark Sanford's bombshell admission of an affair with an Argentine woman has touched off a delicate political dance among fellow Republicans vying to replace him when his term ends. The most awkward shuffle is being done by Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer — Sanford's second-in-command but not his ally — who would get a free 18-month audition for the post were Sanford to resign.
The scandal has crippled Sanford's political career, and state law would have prevented him from running for a third consecutive term anyway. The more pressing question is whether he would have already stepped down if not for behind-the-scenes maneuvering by the people who want his job.
Sanford told The Associated Press on Sunday he considered stepping down but didn't. He admitted last week to a yearlong affair with an Argentine woman, a confession that came after a trip to that country to see her that kept him out of touch with his family and staff, who had told the public he was hiking the Appalachian Trail.
"To be human is to on occasion, fall flat on your face," Sanford told reporters Monday after a budget meeting at which he apologized, yet again. He had bags under his eyes. "I've done it in the most public of circles. The question is, what do I learn from it and what do others learn from it?"
Bauer, who said before the scandal that he would probably run in 2010, has not joined calls for Sanford to resign. He said Monday he is considering taking himself out of the running if it turns out that's the only thing keeping Sanford in office.
"The conversation now is more about Andre Bauer than the governor," Bauer said. "This really shouldn't be the debate. The debate should be, 'Is Mark Sanford in his heart of hearts comfortable in serving out his term?' This is a dark cloud over South Carolina. We need to move swiftly and move forward."
Rod Shealy, a longtime Bauer friend and adviser, said he believes the political interests of Bauer's potential opponents are "what's stopping the resignation that everyone has expected."
The other candidates, including a representative for Attorney General Henry McMaster, who is expected to run, insist that's not the case.
"There's no truth to it, from McMaster's point of view," political consultant Richard Quinn. "He wouldn't allow politics to be mixed with his work as attorney general."
And state Rep. Nikki Haley, R-Lexington, a Sanford ally who plans to run for his job in 2010, said she wants Sanford to stay because she is worried Bauer won't continue efforts to bring accountability to government. She insists her concern is not about her own race.
Bauer "has more often stood on the side of what used to be rather than what should be," Haley said. "It is the larger movement of where we're trying to go, that's what's been damaged this week, and I'm very concerned."
Bauer critics contend he's the one working behind the scenes — to oust Sanford. Sen. Jake Knotts, a longtime Sanford opponent and Bauer friend who brought to light that Sanford was missing, has called for law enforcement to investigate Sanford's disappearance and possible use of public money to see his mistress. The governor has admitted he asked Commerce to extend the itinerary of an economic development trip last year to include Argentina.
In an e-mail obtained by The New York Times, a political consultant for Bauer asked another national consultant for help getting Sanford out of office. Consultant Chris LaCivita, the e-mail's author, told the paper those efforts were separate from Bauer's work as lieutenant governor. And Bauer said LaCivita, who's been a paid consultant for six months, sent the e-mail on his own.
Bauer and Sanford are not friends, and the two have clashed for years. In South Carolina, governors and lieutenant governors run on different tickets, and in 2006, first lady Jenny Sanford threw her support behind Bauer's rival in a GOP primary runoff.
Bauer managed a come-from-behind primary runoff victory just weeks after surviving the fiery crash of a single-engine plane he was piloting. He hobbled along the campaign trail on crutches — including a 3.5-mile trek across a bridge from Mount Pleasant to Charleston — and waved to voters on roadsides statewide in 100-degree weather.
"Anybody who underestimates Andre Bauer does so to his own detriment," said Winthrop University political scientist Scott Huffmon. "None of the other candidates want to see Andre Bauer have a year and a half auditioning as governor."
Democrats planning to run for governor — including state Sens. Vincent Sheheen and Robert Ford — have been mostly quiet about Sanford's affair. Sheheen issued a statement asking people to respect the Sanford family's privacy and saying he's praying for Jenny Sanford.
by the associated press
The scandal has crippled Sanford's political career, and state law would have prevented him from running for a third consecutive term anyway. The more pressing question is whether he would have already stepped down if not for behind-the-scenes maneuvering by the people who want his job.
Sanford told The Associated Press on Sunday he considered stepping down but didn't. He admitted last week to a yearlong affair with an Argentine woman, a confession that came after a trip to that country to see her that kept him out of touch with his family and staff, who had told the public he was hiking the Appalachian Trail.
"To be human is to on occasion, fall flat on your face," Sanford told reporters Monday after a budget meeting at which he apologized, yet again. He had bags under his eyes. "I've done it in the most public of circles. The question is, what do I learn from it and what do others learn from it?"
Bauer, who said before the scandal that he would probably run in 2010, has not joined calls for Sanford to resign. He said Monday he is considering taking himself out of the running if it turns out that's the only thing keeping Sanford in office.
"The conversation now is more about Andre Bauer than the governor," Bauer said. "This really shouldn't be the debate. The debate should be, 'Is Mark Sanford in his heart of hearts comfortable in serving out his term?' This is a dark cloud over South Carolina. We need to move swiftly and move forward."
Rod Shealy, a longtime Bauer friend and adviser, said he believes the political interests of Bauer's potential opponents are "what's stopping the resignation that everyone has expected."
The other candidates, including a representative for Attorney General Henry McMaster, who is expected to run, insist that's not the case.
"There's no truth to it, from McMaster's point of view," political consultant Richard Quinn. "He wouldn't allow politics to be mixed with his work as attorney general."
And state Rep. Nikki Haley, R-Lexington, a Sanford ally who plans to run for his job in 2010, said she wants Sanford to stay because she is worried Bauer won't continue efforts to bring accountability to government. She insists her concern is not about her own race.
Bauer "has more often stood on the side of what used to be rather than what should be," Haley said. "It is the larger movement of where we're trying to go, that's what's been damaged this week, and I'm very concerned."
Bauer critics contend he's the one working behind the scenes — to oust Sanford. Sen. Jake Knotts, a longtime Sanford opponent and Bauer friend who brought to light that Sanford was missing, has called for law enforcement to investigate Sanford's disappearance and possible use of public money to see his mistress. The governor has admitted he asked Commerce to extend the itinerary of an economic development trip last year to include Argentina.
In an e-mail obtained by The New York Times, a political consultant for Bauer asked another national consultant for help getting Sanford out of office. Consultant Chris LaCivita, the e-mail's author, told the paper those efforts were separate from Bauer's work as lieutenant governor. And Bauer said LaCivita, who's been a paid consultant for six months, sent the e-mail on his own.
Bauer and Sanford are not friends, and the two have clashed for years. In South Carolina, governors and lieutenant governors run on different tickets, and in 2006, first lady Jenny Sanford threw her support behind Bauer's rival in a GOP primary runoff.
Bauer managed a come-from-behind primary runoff victory just weeks after surviving the fiery crash of a single-engine plane he was piloting. He hobbled along the campaign trail on crutches — including a 3.5-mile trek across a bridge from Mount Pleasant to Charleston — and waved to voters on roadsides statewide in 100-degree weather.
"Anybody who underestimates Andre Bauer does so to his own detriment," said Winthrop University political scientist Scott Huffmon. "None of the other candidates want to see Andre Bauer have a year and a half auditioning as governor."
Democrats planning to run for governor — including state Sens. Vincent Sheheen and Robert Ford — have been mostly quiet about Sanford's affair. Sheheen issued a statement asking people to respect the Sanford family's privacy and saying he's praying for Jenny Sanford.
by the associated press
Judge stops Kansas law on signage
TOPEKA, Kan. — A federal judge has temporarily blocked a state law restricting roadside signs for strip clubs and sex shops, meaning the stores won’t have to take them down as expected this week.
The attorney general’s office is deciding how to proceed in the case, given U.S. District Judge Julie A. Robinson’s ruling.
Ashley Anstaett, a spokeswoman for Attorney General Steve Six, pointed out that similar laws in Georgia, South Carolina and Missouri have been struck down.
The Kansas law, enacted in 2006, was scheduled to take effect Wednesday.
by the associated press
The attorney general’s office is deciding how to proceed in the case, given U.S. District Judge Julie A. Robinson’s ruling.
Ashley Anstaett, a spokeswoman for Attorney General Steve Six, pointed out that similar laws in Georgia, South Carolina and Missouri have been struck down.
The Kansas law, enacted in 2006, was scheduled to take effect Wednesday.
by the associated press
U.S. troops turn major cities over to Iraq
BAGHDAD — Iraqi forces assumed formal control of Baghdad and other cities today after American troops handed over security in urban areas in a defining step toward ending the U.S. combat role in the country.
A countdown clock broadcast on Iraqi television ticked to zero as the midnight deadline passed for U.S. combat troops to finish their pullback to bases outside cities.
"The withdrawal of American troops is completed now from all cities after everything they sacrificed for the sake of security,” said Sadiq al-Rikabi, a senior adviser to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. "We are now celebrating the restoration of sovereignty.”
The Pentagon did not offer any comment to mark the passing of the deadline.
Fireworks, not bombings, colored the Baghdad skyline late Monday, and thousands attended a party in a park where singers performed patriotic songs. Loudspeakers at police stations and military checkpoints played recordings of similar tunes throughout the day, as Iraqi military vehicles patrolled the capital.
"All of us are happy — Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds on this day,” Waleed al-Bahadili said as he celebrated at the park. "The Americans harmed and insulted us too much.”
Al-Maliki declared a public holiday and proclaimed June 30 as National Sovereignty Day.
Midnight’s handover to Iraqi forces filled many citizens with pride but also trepidation that government forces are not ready and that violence will rise. Shiites fear more bombings by Sunni militants; Sunnis fear that the Shiite-dominated Iraqi security forces will give them little protection.
If the Iraqis can hold down violence in the coming months, it will show the country is finally on the road to stability. If they fail, it will pose a challenge to President Barack Obama’s pledge to end an unpopular war that has claimed the lives of more than 4,300 U.S. troops and tens of thousands of Iraqis.
The gathering at the Baghdad park was unprecedented in size for such a postwar event in a city where people tend to avoid large gatherings for fear of suicide bombers.
by the associated press
A countdown clock broadcast on Iraqi television ticked to zero as the midnight deadline passed for U.S. combat troops to finish their pullback to bases outside cities.
"The withdrawal of American troops is completed now from all cities after everything they sacrificed for the sake of security,” said Sadiq al-Rikabi, a senior adviser to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. "We are now celebrating the restoration of sovereignty.”
The Pentagon did not offer any comment to mark the passing of the deadline.
Fireworks, not bombings, colored the Baghdad skyline late Monday, and thousands attended a party in a park where singers performed patriotic songs. Loudspeakers at police stations and military checkpoints played recordings of similar tunes throughout the day, as Iraqi military vehicles patrolled the capital.
"All of us are happy — Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds on this day,” Waleed al-Bahadili said as he celebrated at the park. "The Americans harmed and insulted us too much.”
Al-Maliki declared a public holiday and proclaimed June 30 as National Sovereignty Day.
Midnight’s handover to Iraqi forces filled many citizens with pride but also trepidation that government forces are not ready and that violence will rise. Shiites fear more bombings by Sunni militants; Sunnis fear that the Shiite-dominated Iraqi security forces will give them little protection.
If the Iraqis can hold down violence in the coming months, it will show the country is finally on the road to stability. If they fail, it will pose a challenge to President Barack Obama’s pledge to end an unpopular war that has claimed the lives of more than 4,300 U.S. troops and tens of thousands of Iraqis.
The gathering at the Baghdad park was unprecedented in size for such a postwar event in a city where people tend to avoid large gatherings for fear of suicide bombers.
by the associated press
Plane falls in Indian Ocean
SAN‘A, Yemen — A Yemenia Air plane going from the Arabian Peninsula country of Yemen to the island nation of Comoros has crashed in the Indian Ocean, a Yemen airport official said today.
The official said the plane was going from the Yemen capital San‘a to Moroni, on the main island of Grand Comore.
It was not known how many passengers were on board the Airbus 310 or the status of the passengers and crew.
The official said most of the passengers on the plane were believed to be Comoros residents.
by the associated press
The official said the plane was going from the Yemen capital San‘a to Moroni, on the main island of Grand Comore.
It was not known how many passengers were on board the Airbus 310 or the status of the passengers and crew.
The official said most of the passengers on the plane were believed to be Comoros residents.
by the associated press
British taxpayers paid about $1.14 for queen and her family
LONDON — Public funding for Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family cost British taxpayers the equivalent of $1.14 each last year, according to accounts published Monday.
The queen’s office said that the costs incurred by the royal family were $68.6 million in the year to March 31, an increase of $2.48 million from the previous year.
It means supporting the royal family cost British taxpayers the equivalent of an extra five U.S. cents each last year.
Public money is used to pay the costs of travel and operating and staffing homes used by the royal family, including the queen’s Buckingham Palace residence.
Sir Alan Reid, the Keeper of the Privy Purse said travel costs rose because fewer aircraft were available from the air force, meaning that members of the royal family needed to charter commercial aircraft for overseas visits, often at short notice.
Figures showed that royal family travel costs rose to $10.76 million from $10.26 million. The queen visited Slovenia and Slovakia last year, while her son Prince Charles toured Japan and Indonesia.
Graham Smith, campaign manager for republic, an anti-monarchy group, said the costs can’t be justified.
"Very obviously they have no regard for public finances at all. There’s no reason why the queen can’t be paid a salary and a few million be spent on the staff,” Smith said.
Costs of security for the royal family provided by the police and army are not included in the accounts.
by the associated press
The queen’s office said that the costs incurred by the royal family were $68.6 million in the year to March 31, an increase of $2.48 million from the previous year.
It means supporting the royal family cost British taxpayers the equivalent of an extra five U.S. cents each last year.
Public money is used to pay the costs of travel and operating and staffing homes used by the royal family, including the queen’s Buckingham Palace residence.
Sir Alan Reid, the Keeper of the Privy Purse said travel costs rose because fewer aircraft were available from the air force, meaning that members of the royal family needed to charter commercial aircraft for overseas visits, often at short notice.
Figures showed that royal family travel costs rose to $10.76 million from $10.26 million. The queen visited Slovenia and Slovakia last year, while her son Prince Charles toured Japan and Indonesia.
Graham Smith, campaign manager for republic, an anti-monarchy group, said the costs can’t be justified.
"Very obviously they have no regard for public finances at all. There’s no reason why the queen can’t be paid a salary and a few million be spent on the staff,” Smith said.
Costs of security for the royal family provided by the police and army are not included in the accounts.
by the associated press
Call of Embargo of Honduras
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — Police and soldiers clashed with thousands of protesters outside Honduras’ national palace Monday, leaving at least 15 people injured, as world leaders from Barack Obama to Hugo Chavez demanded the return of a president ousted in a military coup.
Leftist leaders pulled their ambassadors from Honduras and Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega said El Salvador, Nicaragua and Guatemala would cut trade with neighboring Honduras for at least 48 hours. Venezuela’s Chavez called for Hondurans to rise up against those who toppled his political ally, Manuel Zelaya.
"We’re ready to support the rebellion of the Honduran people,” Chavez said.
Protesters detained
Protests outside the presidential palace grew from hundreds to thousands, and soldiers and police advanced behind riot shields, using tear gas to scatter the protesters. The demonstrators, many of them choking on the gas, hurled rocks and bottles as they retreated. At least 38 protesters were detained, according to human rights prosecutor Sandra Ponce.
In Washington, Obama said the United States will work with others to resolve the matter peacefully.
The Organization of American States called an emergency meeting for today to consider suspending Honduras under an agreement meant to prevent coups that for generations made Latin America a tragic spawning ground of military dictatorships.
The new government, however, was defiant. Roberto Micheletti, named by the Congress to serve out the final seven months of Zelaya’s term, vowed to ignore foreign pressure.
"We respect everybody, and we ask only that they respect us and leave us in peace because the country is headed toward free and transparent general elections in November,” Micheletti said.
by the associated press
Leftist leaders pulled their ambassadors from Honduras and Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega said El Salvador, Nicaragua and Guatemala would cut trade with neighboring Honduras for at least 48 hours. Venezuela’s Chavez called for Hondurans to rise up against those who toppled his political ally, Manuel Zelaya.
"We’re ready to support the rebellion of the Honduran people,” Chavez said.
Protesters detained
Protests outside the presidential palace grew from hundreds to thousands, and soldiers and police advanced behind riot shields, using tear gas to scatter the protesters. The demonstrators, many of them choking on the gas, hurled rocks and bottles as they retreated. At least 38 protesters were detained, according to human rights prosecutor Sandra Ponce.
In Washington, Obama said the United States will work with others to resolve the matter peacefully.
The Organization of American States called an emergency meeting for today to consider suspending Honduras under an agreement meant to prevent coups that for generations made Latin America a tragic spawning ground of military dictatorships.
The new government, however, was defiant. Roberto Micheletti, named by the Congress to serve out the final seven months of Zelaya’s term, vowed to ignore foreign pressure.
"We respect everybody, and we ask only that they respect us and leave us in peace because the country is headed toward free and transparent general elections in November,” Micheletti said.
by the associated press
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