PoliticsSouth CarolinaMark Sanfordmark sanford affair

Elizabeth Colbert Busch Once Donated To Mark Sanford

Mark Sanford Received Donation From Unexpected Contender
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At the intersection of politics, race and social justice | www.gabwork.com

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Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford talks to a reporter in the floor at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) received a donation during his 2001 campaign from Elizabeth Colbert Busch, a potential competitor in the special election for Sen. Tim Scott's (R-S.C.) former House seat, Politico reported on Tuesday.

Colbert Busch made the donation in support of her former employer, Orient Overseas Container Line, which also made a donation to Sanford's campaign in 2001, the Democrat's spokeswoman told Politico.

Colbert Busch, sister of comedian Stephen Colbert, announced her run for Congress in January, after Scott was appointed to fill the seat of former Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.). Her brother will host a fundraiser for her later this week and has voiced his support, but said he does not want his fame to be the focus.

"I want people to know this is her own thing," Colbert told The Associated Press. "It's not me doing anything."

Sanford, whose career took a turn four years ago after he confessed to having an extramarital affair with an Argentine woman, announced in January that he intended to make a bid for his former seat.

In an interview on NBC's "Today Show," Sanford said that he "absolutely failed" in his personal life during his time as governor, but he asserted that he "didn't ever fail" with taxpayers.

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Before You Go

Political Sex Scandals
Anthony Weiner's Online Romance (01 of06)
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Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) was forced to resign following a lengthy media investigation triggered after he accidentally sent his Twitter followers a picture of himself in his underwear.In the aftermath of the initial tweet, Weiner claimed that his account had been hacked, but subsequent developments showed that he had contacted a number of other women online, at times engaging in raunchy conversation.
Eliot Spitzer Client Number 9(02 of06)
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In March 2008, a federal investigation revealed that Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D-N.Y.) had habitually patronized a high-priced prostitution agency, spending up to $80,000 on the service.
Arnold Schwarzenegger's Mistress(03 of06)
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Revelations surfaced earlier this year that the former California governor and movie star had fathered a child with his maid during an affair that took place during the 1990s. The child is now in his teens.In a statement to the Los Angeles Times in May, Schwarzenegger confessed to the relationship:
"After leaving the governor's office I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago," Schwarzenegger said Monday night in a statement issued to The Times in response to questions. "I understand and deserve the feelings of anger and disappointment among my friends and family. There are no excuses and I take full responsibility for the hurt I have caused. I have apologized to Maria, my children and my family. I am truly sorry."
Eric Massa's Tickling(04 of06)
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Rep. Eric Massa (D-N.Y.) resigned in 2010 following mounting questions about his conduct that culminated in a House ethics investigation of harassment allegations brought forth by a male aide.Shortly after stepping down, Massa appeared on Glenn Beck's television show and described part of an incident that had triggered the charges."Not only did I grope him, I tickled him until he couldn't breathe," he said. "I should have never allowed myself to be as familiar with my staff as I was... I own this misbehavior."
David Wu's Alleged Teen Encounter (05 of06)
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On July 26, Rep. David Wu (D-Ore.) announced that he would step down pending the conclusion of ongoing negotiations to raise the debt ceiling.Wu, who had fielded prior criticism for erratic behavior in the run up to his successful 2010 reelection -- he emailed staffers a picture showing him wearing a tiger costume -- is currently facing allegations that he engaged in an unwanted sexual encounter with an 18-year-old. Wu has claimed the action was consensual.
Chris Lee's Craigslist Follies(06 of06)
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Rep. Chris Lee (R-N.Y.) took part in perhaps the shortest Washington scandal of all time earlier this year, when a report that he had sent shirtless pictures to a woman he contacted on Craigslist prompted his resignation mere hours later.
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