COLUMBIA, S.C. — After a political mystery — “Where in the World is South Carolina’s Governor?” — Mark Sanford’s aides said he was stunned Tuesday by all the fuss over his five-day absence and would cut short a secretive hike along the Appalachian Trail and be back in his office today.
Until Monday, state officials and even his wife said they had no idea where he went over Father’s Day weekend, and not everyone is buying his explanation.
Sanford’s spokesman said the governor was hiking to clear his head after the legislative session.
“If you’re not skeptical, then you have to think the governor’s office is in complete chaos,” said Carol Fowler, chairwoman of the state Democratic Party.
The episode could squelch talk of a 2012 presidential bid.
“If he were thinking of a presidential run, this is all the more puzzling,” said Mark Rozell, a George Mason University political scientist.
Rumblings about Sanford’s mysterious departure began Monday. Republican state Sen. Jake Knotts started asking questions.
His wife, Jenny, said Monday that he needed time away from his four sons to write something. For hours, his staff would only say he was vacationing. It wasn’t until 10 p.m. Monday that they allowed he was hiking.
Fowler said she was surprised to learn Sanford’s office said he was hiking “since this whole thing was he wanted to get away from the kids to write things. Strolling down the trail writing?”
“That’s his story,” Knotts said. “If it’s true, it’s true.”
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