Read more: Local, State, Politics, Governor Sanford, Statement, Hiking Trip, Appalachian Trail
Sanford hadn't been in his office for several days, and legislators and his wife said they didn't know where he was.
Governor Sanford's spokesman released a statement Tuesday morning, saying the governor would return from his hiking trip on the Appalachian Trail on Wednesday.
As we first reported Monday, Sanford hadn't been in his office for several days, and legislators and his wife said they didn't know where he was.
The question is, should the governor be able to take a vacation without communicating with his staff and leaving someone else in charge?
Aaron Brown of Florence says, no. "He should have left somebody know where he was, because we need the governor here to get jobs and get money in this state."
Benji Banning of Florence took another view. "I think it's OK for a man in his situation to take some time off away from the public eye for a brief moment."
Carol Doty, a Florence resident, said, "He does need a break. He's really had a tough time. I don't know who is right or wrong, but it seems like someone should be questioned about who was in charge." And that's what many people are asking for.
Lawmakers say the state constitution doesn't clearly specify if the Lieutenant Governor is in charge in the temporary absence of a governor.
Republican Representative Kris Crawford of Florence County doesn't think the governor's trip is that big of a deal.
"I would sincerely suggest to my colleagues that they all put their work clothes on and get back to work in the state of South Carolina, because the legislature is a part time job and let's quit trying to keep track of Mark Sanford," said Crawford.
He says lawmakers need to focus on their own districts, and worry less about where the governor spends his vacation.
