Sanford cleared of criminal conduct
S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster has cleared Gov. Mark Sanford of any criminal conduct for two trips to South America to meet his Argentine lover and, also, his use of state aircraft, upgraded airfare and campaign money.
McMaster, a Republican candidate for governor, said the "evidence does not support, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the governor knowingly, willfully and intentionally set out to break state law."The decision likely ends scrutiny of Sanford following his admission last June admission of an extra-martial affair and subsequent review of the two-term, Republican governor's record.In March, Sanford settled 37 civil charges with the State Ethics Commission related to his use of upgraded airfare, state aircraft and campaign money. Sanford admitted no wrong-doing but agreed to pay $74,000 in fines and an additional $66,223 to reimburse airfare, use of state aircraft and campaign money.