Lawmakers: SC Governor Sanford’s Pricey Seats Need Closer Look

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina legislators are planning a closer look at Gov. Mark Sanford’s travel spending, saying it doesn’t square with state law requiring flying in cheap seats.

Republican state Sen. Kevin Bryant of Anderson said Monday that Sanford’s first-class flight to London and pricey flight to Brazil, outlined in an AP investigation, were a problem. The South America trip last year took the governor to Argentina, where his physical relationship started with the woman who became his mistress.

Another Republican, Sen. David Thomas of Fountain Inn, says he’ll begin hearings next week that will include the travel costs.

Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer said the GOP governor has saved the state money on travel and called reports of pricey travel a distortion.