Air Force service OK

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The South Carolina Supreme Court has ruled that Gov. Mark Sanford can serve as both governor of this state and as an officer in the Air Force Reserve. The state's high court has a tradition of being faithful to both the South Carolina constitution and tradition, so it's hard to find fault with the court's decision.

South Carolina's ban on dual office-holding prevents public officials from holding two offices. The law keeps officials from using the authority of one office to influence the decisions of another public body. The state Supreme Court ruled that the constitution allows the governor to serve in the militia, and that term has been expanded to include the Air Force Reserve.

Gov. Sanford still should consider resigning his Air Force commission. The practical problems associated with the governor holding two positions of such responsibility and importance remain. As the state's chief executive officer, Sanford is responsible for an entire branch of government.

In addition, Sanford has an extraordinarily ambitious agenda and is serving at a time of severe budget challenges. He is needed in the governor's office to fulfill his sworn obligation to the people of South Carolina. Our Reserve and National Guard officers are critically important to this nation's security, and it would be impossible for Sanford to carry out his agenda as governor if he were called to active duty for a long-term deployment. He should end this potential conflict.