Panel of SC lawmakers could opt to advance Sanford impeachment measure during fourth meeting

SC panel may decide on Sanford impeachment motion

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina lawmakers are nearing a decision on whether to move forward with a measure to impeach Gov. Mark Sanford over a secret trip to Argentina and his travel.

A panel of the House Judiciary Committee is meeting on Monday. If the subcommittee approves a resolution calling for Sanford’s ouster, the full committee could debate the measure next week.

The seven-member subcommittee has been debating for about two weeks whether Sanford should be removed for dropping out of contact with his office during a five-day trip to Argentina in June to meet his lover. The panel also is looking into his use of state aircraft.

He also faces three dozen state ethics charges over his travel and campaign reimbursements, which could bring up to $74,000 in fines.