Gov. Sanford's letter to Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer

January 28, 2003

The Honorable Rudolph Andreas Bauer
Lieutenant Governor, State of South Carolina
Post Office Box 142
Columbia, S.C. 29202

Dear Andre,

As President Bush is addressing our country tonight, I felt it was important to write to you and make clear exactly where I stand as it relates to my status with the Air Force Reserves. The bottom line for me is that I made a commitment and I am going to keep it. Therefore, as to any orders I receive I will do just as anyone else in my unit and follow them.

I believe simply that this is consistent with who I am as a person. I've always done what I said I would do. I also think it's about being a dad. I've said from the beginning that I did this because, on a personal level, I wanted to signal to my boys the importance of duty and the fact that there is a real disconnect in our country between the rights and the responsibilities that go with being an American. I also believe this is consistent with the concept of servant leadership. I have a much bigger responsibility now as Governor of South Carolina than I did when I began this process but ultimately the essence of servant leadership is being available not when you think the time is best - but when you are called.

In the event my unit is activated, I have full confidence in your abilities along with those of Speaker Wilkins and Senator McConnell. Should that happen, I will work closely with each of you to ensure that the agenda I laid out for our state last week is fulfilled.

Take care,

Mark Sanford

Cc: Sen. Glenn McConnell
Speaker David Wilkins