HIGH COURT TO EXTEND ETHICS RULING BY 12 DAYS

The South Carolina Supreme Court this week told Gov. Mark Sanford that he needs to quit stalling and provide more information regarding his attempt to block access to a State Ethics Commission investigation into his possible misconduct in office.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Toal Monday told the governor, who is being investigated over claims that he misused state aircraft and other resources including campaign money, that she believes he is dragging his feet to slow down the commission’s progress.

The commission is considering giving lawmakers access to their preliminary report. But Sanford argues that legislators, who are considering impeaching the disgraced governor, could use the findings for political purposes.

Sanford, however, waived his right to confidentiality in August — something that would seemingly allow the commission to turn the report over to the General Assembly.

Toal told Sanford that if he wants to continue with his complaint, then he needs to give the court more information.

The court sent the governor an order for clarification and said they are adding another 12 days to the case to consider whether the Sanford’s letter was a total or limited waiver of confidentiality.

“If the court determines a respondent may effect a complete waiver of confidentiality… does the governor’s letter of August 28, 2009, constitute a complete waiver of confidentiality?” the justices asked in the order, which gives Sanford five days to make his case.

The other parties in the matter will have five days to respond to Sanford, followed by an additional two days for replies.

The 12 day addition will mean lawmakers will likely not have a copy of the ethics report when they reconvene on Oct. 27 for a special session. State Rep. Greg Delleney R-Chester) told The Palmetto Scoop that he would introduce articles of impeachment during that session.

Photo: AP