SC governor takes a trip

SOUTH CAROLINA: Turns out Gov. Sanford skipped to Argentina -- not Appalachian Trail

Republican Gov. Mark Sanford was in Argentina, not Georgia, during his five-day absence, according to The State newspaper. The disappearance opened up the rifts among GOP leaders in the state, as accusations were bandied about by both supporters and critics of Gov. Sanford. Before this incident, Sanford had been talked about as a contender for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination. Now, it's not clear if this has put that nomination in jeopardy.

Said Lieutenant Gov. Andre Bauer, also a Republican, "There has to be a line of command. Not to be able to get in touch with a person who is responsible for 4.5 million people is a concern."

After declining for hours to reveal his location, Mr. Sanford's office said late Monday that he was hiking along the Appalachian Trail and was difficult to reach. Mrs. Sanford said he was off writing (leaving her and their four sons on Father's Day weekend), and the governor's office said he was 'working on projects.' Mr. Sanford said he returned Wednesday from Argentina because of the unexpected media attention caused by his trip.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Economist says state's rebound from recession will be slow

ARKANSAS: AG files complaints against companies placing car warranty calls

FLORIDA: State prison system could be overhauled if leaders have their way

GEORGIA: State sees 56 mass layoff events during May

KENTUCKY: Horse industry saddened by failure of slots bill

LOUISIANA: Bill will require candidates to have filed all tax returns

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour says critical services will go on even if budget not finalized

NORTH CAROLINA: New state law on vandalism of portable toilets begins December 1

TENNESSEE: Global warming could heavily impact wildlife-rich Tennessee

VIRGINIA: Gov. Kaine, GOP still at odds over IT agency

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