LT. GOV. SAYS HE’S IN FOR 2010 EVEN IF SANFORD RESIGNS

The man who would replace Mark Sanford in the event that the philandering governor steps down has backpedaled on a shocking statement made earlier in the week.

Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, cornered at a Whole Foods in Mt. Pleasant by a Charleston Business Journal reporter, back tracked on a pledge he made Monday that he would “not run for re-election” if Sanford resigns and leaves him in charge of the governor’s mansion for 18 months.

As he checked out, Bauer attempted to ignore a Business Journal request for an interview, saying he had hoped to remain in the dark today, and that he had already turned down an interview with CNN.

“I’m trying to be fair,” he said, asking for a phone conversation the next morning.

But Bauer did answer a few questions as he stood waiting for his aide to check out behind him. [...]

“We are at an impasse now because it’s all about 2010 and the next governor’s race, and I don’t see anyone being an adult,” he told CNN.

But on Wednesday, Bauer said: “I am running” when asked whether he was thinking about bowing out of the race. But clearly growing frustrated by the interview he did not want to have, Bauer paused, and then said, “Again, I’m not saying I’m running.”

Bauer said he had already said too much, and didn’t want to give a story he wasn’t ready to talk about.

“I don’t want to answer any more questions — please,” he said, walking away.

If you’re keeping track at home, that’s less than 48 between the time Bauer said he would not run for governor until the time he reneged and said he would run. Hell, I bet the average Bauer workout (pictured above) lasts longer than that.

Of course, chances are Sanford won’t be resigning, so it’s kind of a moot point. But test number one for Bauer = failed.