#SC01 Open Thread: Mark Sanford / Elizabeth Colbert Busch special election (UPDATE: SANFORD WINS, LEFT FLIPS)

From SC’s “The State” publication comes the most interesting story today I’ve seen on this special election: ‘Sanford: I won’t run for office again if I lose’. As my friend Leslie B. would say, hmm and hmmm:

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. β€” Former Gov. Mark Sanford, looking for redemption in a political career that was sidelined by scandal, said Tuesday’s race for the vacant South Carolina congressional seat he once held for three terms will be his last if he loses to Elizabeth Colbert Busch.

“I think you can go back in and you can ask for a second chance in a political sense once,” he said Tuesday after voting in the special election. “I’ve done that, and we’ll see what the voters say.”

He faces Colbert Busch, the sister of political satirist Stephen Colbert, and Green Party candidate Eugene Platt in the race for the 1st District congressional seat.

The former governor, once mentioned as a potential GOP presidential contender, also said Tuesday that he is tired but cautiously optimistic as one of the more unusual campaigns in a state known for rough-and-tumble politics draws to a close.

There’s no direct quote in there on Sanford definitively saying he wouldn’t run again if he lost, but NBC’s Frank Thorp got one that was pretty close:

 

Well, with the polls closing in just minutes (7 ET), we shall find out soon enough. Recent history has shown us that Sanford is, well, not always a man of his word so whatever he announces tonight if he doesn’t win, don’t assume that’s the end of it. I think it would be better if Sanford won, not because I’m a fan of his personal life but because he’s obviously the more staunch conservative in the race, but I’m reluctant to issue an endorsement in any case.

Meanwhile, tweets of the day on Sanford’s alleged pledge:

 

And:

 

Heh. ;) You can view election results as they come in here (alternative link). Interestingly enough, Colbert Busch’s name is on the ballot twice. Anyone out there know why?

Colbert Busch and Sanford
Elizabeth Colbert Busch and Marck Sanford at their only debate. Photo credit: Richard Ellis/Getty Images

Update: Here’s a bit of history on this seat (hat tip: @TVAmy).

Wednesday Update: Sanford won last night in a landslide, and the left – predictably – flipped out. Β LOLOL.

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