Update: More Reaction to Governor Sanford's Admission

SC House Minority Leader Harry Ott: “I am shocked and disappointed as I’m sure every other South Carolinian is at this time and quite frankly I’m having a difficult time digesting what has developed. As a Christian, I will be praying for Mark Sanford, Jenny and their family and I truly, truly hope that they ask God to be with them through this difficult time in their lives. No one that walks this earth is without sin and we all fall short at times. “ “However, I do believe that his decision to engage in an extramarital affair coupled with the fact that I believe he deliberately misled his staff and the people of South Carolina over an extended period of time must come with serious consequences. Too many times of late, elected officials have let down the people that have placed great trust in their judgment. South Carolinians deserve better, we as a society deserve better.” “Mark Sanford will be faced with many difficult decisions in the days ahead. I hope that his decisions will be what is in the best interest of his family and the people of South Carolina. We must pick up the pieces and move forward as a state.” “I ask that all South Carolinians pray for the Sanford family. Also, let us rally together, as South Carolinians always do, to come out of these troubling times for a brighter tomorrow.”

Reaction from Republican Congressman Lindsey Graham: “I’ve been a close friend of Mark and Jenny since our election to Congress in 1994. Like all of their friends, I want the best for their family and hope they can repair the damage. I will provide any personal support I can. “Jenny and Mark have four wonderful boys. The Sanford family needs time and space to work through their challenges. I hope they are afforded that opportunity. “As for the future, I hope Mark will reconcile with his family and can continue serving as our state's governor.”

Reaction from SC State Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler: “I'm deeply disturbed that NO ONE knew where Governor Sanford was over the last five days. He left the country and deliberately made himself unavailable without delegating power to the Lt. Governor. In the process he misled his staff who unknowingly misled the public. These actions could have had drastic consequences in the case of an emergency. We cannot let the Governor's personal life overshadow his public responsibility, or in this case, his negligence of gubernatorial authority.”

U.S. Congressman Gresham Barrett: “We keep the Governor and his family in our prayers during this difficult time.”

South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford says he's been having an affair with a woman from Argentina and will resign as head of the Republican Governors' Association. The married father of four emotionally apologized to his wife, staff and others at a news conference after returning Wednesday from a trip to Argentina that followed a dayslong absence. His staff had said the Republican was hiking on the Appalachian Trail. Sanford says he met the woman about eight years ago and it became romantic about a year ago. He says his wife and family have known about it for the past five months. Sanford says, "I've let down a lot of people.".