THE NATION - News from July 7, 2009

Fellow Republicans have censured Gov. Mark Sanford for leaving the state last month on a secret trip to Argentina to meet a woman.

The state Republican Party met for more than three hours by phone before 22 members of the executive committee voted to formally reprimand Sanford. Ten others voted to ask him to resign, and nine voted to support him.

In a statement, Sanford says he appreciates the party’s position and will continue to work to earn back its trust.

Sanford might have survived a state probe last week into his travel, but plenty of Republicans say they are still hearing from unhappy constituents.

The governor also has repeatedly said he would serve his remaining 18 months in office.