Rep. files measure to impeach SC gov for leaving state to see lover; House to debate in Jan.

SC lawmaker introduces measure to impeach governor

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina lawmakers have formally received a resolution to impeach Gov. Mark Sanford because of his June rendezvous with an Argentine lover.

The House on Tuesday formally accepted the bill filed by Rep. Greg Delleney of Chester. The full House probably won’t start working on it until members return for their regular session in January, though the Judiciary Committee could take it up before then.

Delleney says he wants his fellow Republican punished for what he considers dereliction of duty and bringing shame on the state when Sanford disappeared for five days in June.

Meanwhile, the House is asking the state Supreme Court to make it clear that an Ethics Commission investigation of Sanford’s travel practices should be made public, which could happen as early as this week.