Sanford keeps eye on stormBy Yvonne Wenger (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
COLUMBIA — Gov. Mark Sanford is back on for a speaking engagement Thursday at the Republican National Convention, although he said it is more likely he will be back in South Carolina by then. The Republican governor is juggling his role in St. Paul, Minn., while monitoring the threat of tropical storm Hanna and what's to follow. "If it looks like we're going to be hit, I am coming home, period," Sanford said. The governor said he could catch a commercial flight and be back to the capital city within a few hours if the storm strengthens. Sanford said he was updated regularly Tuesday on storms Hanna, Ike and Josephine, and spoke with his Cabinet agencies about preparation and response. He said he believes South Carolina has a sound emergency and evacuation plan. Given the latest news on the storms, Sanford said it is looking "increasingly unlikely" that he will still be at the convention to deliver a speech Thursday. If he is, however, he plans to do so on behalf of the country's Republican governors. He is expecting to talk about changes in Red States, the preparation and reaction of Gulf Coast leaders to Hurricane Gustav and the difference he believes John McCain could make in Washington. A time for his speech has not yet been set. Sanford was scheduled to speak Monday, but Republicans scaled back convention events at McCain's request because of the threat Gustav posed to the Gulf Coast. Sanford praised Republican leaders for the handling of the "latest episode with Mother Nature" and had more good words for McCain's choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, whom he's known for years. "I think it was a masterful decision," Sanford said. "She's challenged the status quo. Some call it being a maverick; the folks in Alaska call it common sense." Like Sanford himself, Palin is at times at odds with her state's fellow Republicans. More than being a "standout reformer," though, Sanford said it is Palin's life story that will win over voters. "Her personal story is compelling," Sanford said. "Warts and all, and certainly the warts have been talked about in the last 24 hours, her story is an amazingly regular story." Reach Yvonne Wenger at 803-799-9051 or ywenger@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 2 comment(s)
Posted by mkris on September 3, 2008 at 11:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WHY isn't Sanford in South Carolina when a Hurricane is predicted to hit?
Posted by sherlock on September 3, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
the storm is not a problem and something that the media wants to exaggerate. look at gustov. the media made it out to be a cat 5, was less than that and moost of the gulf states ar efine. the media LOVES to cause PANIC in the community and you are a fool to fall for it.