S.C. House Republicans ask Sanford to resign

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Sixty-one South Carolina House Republicans asked Gov. Mark Sanford to resign Wednesday, questioning his ability to lead the state since his unannounced summertime trip to see a mistress in Argentina and investigations of his state and private travel that followed.

Any move to impeach the GOP governor would begin in the House, which has 72 Republicans, 51 Democrats and one empty seat.

Democratic Rep. James Smith, who is working with Democrats and Republicans on an impeachment resolution, said there is sufficient support for the measure to get the 83 votes it would need to pass the House.

If an impeachment bill were to pass, state senators would serve as jurors for a trial.