(CNN) — Two Republican state lawmakers on Tuesday met with South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, under fire for an extramarital affair and questionable spending, and told him to resign — but the governor rejected their advice.
Sanford ally Rep. Nathan Ballentine told CNN that he and Rep. Gerry Simrill had a private talk with the governor at the State House for about 40 minutes and warned him that unless he steps down, House Republicans would likely impeach him.
“Barring some swing of momentum in his favor, I told him the writing is on the wall,” Ballentine told CNN. “I thought there could be a change in scenery and he could put an end to it all, but if he doesn’t, members of the House will take things into their hands.”
House Republicans are meeting this weekend in Myrtle Beach for their annual caucus retreat, and the possible impeachment matter is expected to dominate the agenda, according to those planning to attend.
Sanford has faced a new round of scrutiny after investigations into his travel expenses revealed that he spent thousands of dollars on business and first class airline tickets for overseas flights, and used state aircraft for personal and political travel. Those probes were prompted by Sanford’s disclosure in June that he had an affair with an Argentine woman.
Members of the legislative House Judiciary Committee said there are enough votes on the committee to send an impeachment motion to the floor of the House when the legislative session begins in January.
“I would be surprised if impeachment articles weren’t being drafted by someone,” said Rep. Jim Harrison, the Republican chairman of the committee.
But Ballentine said the governor rejected the idea of resigning instead of facing impeachment — even with the message coming from a friend.
“I think he wants people to sit back take a deep breath and see what other information is out there,” Ballentine said.
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‘Writing is on the wall,’ ally tells Sanford
