I'm not sure just how "humble" former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford has been when he's done things like ask his ex to manage his campaign, introduced his mistress to his children for the first time onstage after he found out he won his primary race, trespassed on his ex-wife's property and then took out a full page ad explaining it, or having a mock debate with a photo of Nancy Pelosi -- but that's what he claimed during his debate this Monday evening with his Democratic opponent for the U.S. House seat vacated by now Sen. Tim Scott, Elizabeth Colbert Busch
SANFORD: Yeah, I was just going to say, the second part of what I think I would bring to bear is, you don't go through the experience I has back in 2009 without a greater level of humility. And what I would say, what I would say is that willingness to sit down with a Republican or a Democrat alike and say, you know, I know what I believe, I believe what I believe. I believe the facts support what I'm suggesting, but let me just sit down with you and let me just a little bit better understand where you're coming from.
Wow. So it made him more willing to reach across the aisle as well. Who'd have thought getting caught with your mistress "hiking the Appalachian Trail" would do all that for you? Sanford may be a lot of things, but "humble" or "bipartisan" sure as hell aren't the first two things I think of when I hear his name.
Colbert Busch was tough. She did a really good job during the debate, but it's a blood red district, so we'll see how things turn out on election day. Here's more with a recap on the debate for anyone that missed it: Sanford, Colbert Busch square off in SC debate:
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford and Democrat Elizabeth Colbert Busch squared off in a spirited debate Monday night in the race for the state's vacant 1st Congressional District seat.
Sanford, a Republican, stressed his efforts to rein in spending as a member of Congress and as a two-term governor. He noted that he turned back economic stimulus funds.
Colbert Busch reminded Sanford that he used taxpayer funds to "leave the country for a personal purpose" — referring to the extramarital affair with an Argentine woman he had while governor. Sanford didn't respond.
Colbert Busch cited her business experience Monday night and criticized Sanford for voting in Congress against harbor dredging and building a higher bridge for the Port of Charleston.
Sanford countered that she must not have been too bothered by it too because she gave $500 to his gubernatorial campaign.
The Democrat shot back that Sanford had told her he supported trade and dredging. She turned to him Monday and said, "You didn't tell the truth."
The candidates also differed over immigration reform, the federal health care overhaul and abortion.
The special election is May 7.
