WBTV 3 News, Weather, Sports, and Traffic for Charlotte, NC-Exclusive Interview: Sanford Goes to Europe

Exclusive Interview: Sanford Goes to Europe

By Steve Crump - bio l email

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, his wife Jenny and two sons flew from Charlotte to London, England, on a two week European vacation.

He told us, "With what I've put my boys through over the last couple of weeks, I'd carve some time out for them."

Before leaving the country, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford offered a few parting shots.

Weeks after admitting to his affair in South America, he was candid about the purpose of his vacation and the ongoing effort to repair his family.

"You do this balancing act as best you can. You try to do right by your family and carve out time for them, which is what this trip is about," according to Sanford.

He also said living under the microscope these last few weeks hasn't been easy, but the governor expects this to be a trip of soul searching.

Sanford added, "The whole process of redemption and forgiveness, grace and closure is slow. It's a process of healing, but that's something we have to deal with as a family."

It's not just the relationship with his family, but also the people of South Carolina.

One protest in recent weeks called for his resignation, and unlike the trip to Argentina he will stay in touch with the office.

Two Blackberry's and a cell phone will make the trip to help out with state business.

"How do we carve out a couple of legislative initiatives that will pass this year that will make people's lives better going forward," Sanford said.

While the governors flight is headed to London, he would not talk about his final destination.

He boarded first with one son, and his wife Jenny and the other family members got on the plane several minutes later.

Before getting on the flight he said, "I've been trying to do the best I can on all fronts. This time carved out for Jenny and the boys is awfully important in a family situation to put the genie back in the bottle."

Sanford is expected to be back in two weeks.