NRCC won’t support Sanford candidacy

If you were wondering whether the allegation that Mark Sanford trespassed at his wife’s house would have an effect on the special election in the 1st Congressional District, the answer is “yes:”

National Republicans are pulling the plug on Mark Sanford’s suddenly besieged congressional campaign, POLITICO has learned — a potentially fatal blow to the former South Carolina governor’s dramatic comeback bid.

Blindsided by news that Sanford’s ex-wife has accused him of trespassing and concluding he has no plausible path to victory, the National Republican Congressional Committee has decided not to spend more money on Sanford’s behalf ahead of the May 7 special election.

National Republicans are pulling the plug on Mark Sanford’s suddenly besieged congressional campaign, POLITICO has learned — a potentially fatal blow to the former South Carolina governor’s dramatic comeback bid.

Blindsided by news that Sanford’s ex-wife has accused him of trespassing and concluding he has no plausible path to victory, the National Republican Congressional Committee has decided not to spend more money on Sanford’s behalf ahead of the May 7 special election.

Ow. That’s gotta hurt.

I’m starting to think that in spite of that being a GOP seat since 1980, and despite the district being even more Republican after the last reapportionment, Elizabeth Colbert Busch now has a very real chance of winning.

12 thoughts on “NRCC won’t support Sanford candidacy

  1. Brad Warthen Post author

    Meanwhile, the national Democrats are fully behind Sanford’s opponent. This appeal went out from the DCCC about half an hour ago:

    This is exciting!

    In 3 weeks, Elizabeth Colbert Busch will face Mark Sanford in one of the reddest districts in the country. The latest campaign poll shows that Elizabeth has the lead, 47-44.

    But this morning, we got word that Mark Sanford is flooding South Carolina TVs with a deceptive negative ad to try to stop Elizabeth’s momentum. Elizabeth is just $28,844 short of what she needs to fight back with the facts before tonight’s fundraising deadline.

    Brad, will you chip in $3 or more to Elizabeth Colbert Busch’s campaign before tonight’s FEC deadline?

    What happens between now and tonight’s deadline will determine if Elizabeth has what it takes to fight back in the final days of this campaign. There is no time to waste. Your support is key to her victory, but you have to act before midnight.

    Chip in $3 or more before midnight: http://dccc.org/Support-Elizabeth

    Thank you for the support.

    Steve

    Rep. Steve Israel
    DCCC Chairman

  2. JesseS

    How is this story getting so much attention? The last 3 MSM tickers I scrolled past this morning, including Reuters, had the Sanford story running. The only non-Boston story on the lists at the time. What makes this guy that special?

  3. Brad Warthen Post author

    There’s a national meme going that equates Sanford’s comeback effort with that of Anthony Weiner. They’re going on and on about it.

    Colbert’s sister’s involvement adds some fuel to the fire…

  4. Peggy

    from WaPo article on this same story, there’s a little more — Jenny Sanford ain’t too happy w/ Mark because he his 2 boys to the celebration of the April 2 runoff:

    … former governor thrust two of his sons on-stage with the Argentine woman who was at the center of the spectacular sex scandal that broke up his marriage. For Sanford’s teenage son Bolton, that very public moment marked the first time he had ever been in the  presence of Maria Belen Chapur. Sanford’s former wife Jenny confirmed in a text message: “That was indeed Bolton’s first intro and both boys were quite upset and visibly so.” …

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/04/17/national-gop-abandons-mark-sanford/

  5. Silence

    1) why had the boys not met Mark’s fiancee yet? Would Jenny not let them? That’s just plain mean-spirited.
    2) If the NRCC isn’t going to back Mark, I guess it’s time for S.S. – that’s the Silence Superpac to get involved and start stroking the big checks. Or cheques if you are from Canada, eh.

    1. Barry

      1) Maybe Mark hadn’t been interested in introducing them to her (his new woman).

      I thought it was pretty stupid of him to have his young sons up there on stage with him at all.

  6. bud

    What in the world new information did the NRCC gain about the most complete idiot in the history of politics that would cause them to bail on Sanford? He’s a known lawbreaker, philanderer and a pretty darn sorry congressman/governor to boot. Yet this silly trespassing incident is the straw that broke the camels back? As for her opponent, she would be a tremendous breath of fresh air if she can pull this off. Given the disasterous state of affairs (pun intended) of South Carolina politics this would be mighty welcome.

  7. Silence

    Announcer (in a Phil Hartman/Troy McClure voice): Do you like misstresses? Do you like exotic, sexy South American misstresses with “soft, pillowy bosoms”? Of course you do, who wouldn’t? “Paramour,” even the name sounds exciting! If you are a red-blooded American male, if you like exciting, international travel and sexy Latin senoritas, then support Mark Sanford. If you are a sportsman who enjoys hiking, the outdoors and football then support Mark Sanford! Mark Sanford isn’t a Hollywood liberal with a hyphenated last name. He’s a South Carolinian who enjoys public service, farming and exotic women! Just like you! Please support Mark Sanford today!

    Fast, quite announcer voice: Paid for by the Silence Super-PAC. This message not affiliated with or approved by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

  8. bud

    Sanford has now wrapped up the pro-adultery, pro-tresspassing, pro-swine fecal matter, pro-dishonesy, pro-abandoning his post (since Sarah Palin isn’t running) and pro-excessive appology vote. In South Carolina that should be just about enough.

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