Embattled SC Gov meets with cabinet amid travel scrutiny; lawmaker says flights broke law

SC Gov to meet with Cabinet amid travel scrutiny

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Embattled South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford is meeting with his Cabinet a day after a state senator said the Republican governor violated state travel laws.

Sanford has been under increased scrutiny since admitting in June he had an affair with a woman in Argentina. He’s vowed to stay in office. He is scheduled to hold a regular Cabinet meeting Tuesday.

Fellow Republican state Sen. David Thomas said Monday the governor violated laws requiring the cheapest travel possible when he flew business- and first-class to China and London. Thomas heads a legislative committee investigating Sanford’s travel. Thomas said the tickets cost taxpayers $13,700 more than available economy-class flights.

A Sanford spokesman said Thomas is wrong and that his conclusions blatantly overreach.

(This version CORRECTS spelling of Cabinet to capitalize throughout.)