Mark Sanford May Run For Senate

Apparently, the Appalachian trail may lead to the U.S. Senate. Disgraced former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford has not ruled out running for the Senate seat currently occupied by the departing Jim DeMint.

Don’t rule it out. In an interview, the former South Carolina governor said he’d been by bombarded Thursday by calls and emails from former donors and allies encouraging him to consider a run in the 2014 election for Mr. DeMint’s seat. And, guess what? He’s not dismissing the idea.

“It’s not a ‘no,’ but it’s not a ‘yes,’ ” Mr. Sanford said.

Gov. Nikki Haley will appoint DeMint's successor. An election for the Senate seat will be held in 2014.

Sanford became a national punchline for his affair with Maria Belen Chapur. I don't think an affair disqualifies Sanford from office. I do strongly disagree with Sanford's political views.

Don't think that Sanford could not get elected to the Senate. South Carolina sent the racist Strom Thurmond to the Senate repeatedly. David Vitter was caught in an escort scandal and was re-elected. Sanford has a legitimate chance a political second act. Sanford hasn't made enemies within his party like former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. It is virtually impossible for a Democrat to win a statewide race in South Carolina. If Sanford wins the Republican primary, he will be a senator.