S.C. gov. apologizes in final state-of-state speech

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford praised the wife he cheated on and apologized for what he says is the last time in his final state-of-the-state address.

Sanford praised his wife for her grace in handling what he called the storm of his affair during the Wednesday speech in the House chambers.

He told the audience he was apologizing for the last time for an affair with an Argentine woman. It prompted investigations and ethics charges. Legislators last week formally rebuke Sanford for the embarrassment he brought upon the state.

Sanford offered a slimmed-down legislative agenda that included an overhaul of the state Employment Security Commission and state spending limits.

Sanford’s wife, Jenny Sanford, filed for divorce last month.