PoliticsMark Sanfordmark sanford affairPolitics

Sanford-Colbert Busch Debate: Former South Carolina Governor 'Didn't Hear' Affair Jab

Colbert Busch Makes Awkward Affair Jab At Sanford
By 

Politics Reporter, The Huffington Post

Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) deflected questions about his extramarital affair Monday in a much-hyped debate with Elizabeth Colbert Busch, his Democratic opponent in a May 7 special election that will send one to Congress.

While answering a question about spending, Colbert Busch made a jab at Sanford's assignations to Argentina while serving as governor. "When we talk about fiscal spending and we talk about protecting the taxpayers, it doesn't mean you take that money we saved and leave the country for a personal purpose," she said during the pair's only debate.

The crowd applauded and booed.

"She went there, Gov. Sanford," said the moderator.

"I couldn't hear what she said," Sanford responded. "Repeat it, I didn't hear it."

"Answer the question," Colbert Busch said.

"What was the question?" Sanford asked, and then proceeded to talk about sequestration.

Sanford admitted to lying to cover up an affair in 2009 after no one could locate him for four days. While he did not resign, the affair undid any hope of a 2012 presidential campaign. Whether voters can forgive him for the scandal is a central hurdle to his comeback bid.

Later in the debate, Sanford used jujitsu in answering a question about why he voted to impeach former President Bill Clinton and for the Defense of Marriage Act -- votes that suggest sexual hypocrisy. "I would reverse the question to you and I would say this -- do you think that President Clinton should be condemned for the rest of his life based on a mistake that he made in his life?"

It wasn't the only across-the-aisle comparison made during the debate. Colbert Busch, sister of Comedy Central satirist Stephen Colbert, quoted former Vice President Dick Cheney in explaining why she supports gay marriage.

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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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