COLUMBIA — Gov. Mark Sanford's first weekly schedule — issued as part of his office's reaction to his five-day disappearance to Argentina and admission of an extramarital affair — includes no public events.
Sanford will be splitting his time between Columbia and his family home on Sullivan's Island, according to the schedule.
Sanford, a Republican, issued his first weekly schedule Tuesday after 6 1/2 years in office.
The decision to issue a schedule could help demonstrate the embattled governor is back to work, said Gary Karr, spokesman for former Republican Gov. David Beasley.
However, Sanford's first schedule had the opposite effect on some critics.
Senate Minority Leader John Land, D-Clarendon, noted the absence of events after the governor spent the long July Fourth holiday weekend in Florida.
"I think it's very telling of his involvement," said Land, who has said Sanford should resign.
Sanford has said he will not resign but will work to regain the trust of South Carolinians.
Spokesman Joel Sawyer said the governor's office decided on a weekly schedule after consulting with the National Governors Association about schedules issued in other states.
Officials in neighboring states, including Georgia and North Carolina, said publishing a schedule does not compromise their governors' security.
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