(Columbia) May 5, 2004 - Jimmy Carter did it and so did Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Four out of the last five presidents all vaulted from the governor's office to the White House. None held a national political position before becoming president. It's something to keep in mind if you hear people talking about whether South Carolina's current governor might be contemplating a similar move.

That talk has already begun.

A website called Ourcampaigns.com has posted a list of possible Republican candidates for president in 2008. Among the more well-known figures are former New York Mayor Rudy Guliani, former Vice President Dan Quayle and National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice. South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford is also on the list.

State GOP Chairman Katon Dawson says the idea is not far-fetched, "Mark's young, he's energetic. He's taken the state through some very difficult times and provided very positive leadership. Mark's different. He does cross a lot of different barriers as a politician that some don't."

State Senator John Courson (R-Richland) characterizes Sanford as Reaganesque, "I think he has that type of appeal in that he's likeable. He comes across extremely well on television. He has charisma and he has a great family."

Courson points out Sanford won in 2002 by coming from behind, defeating experienced statewide GOP officeholders and a Democratic incumbent, "I think his appeal, obviously he would solidify the Republican base, but he'd have tremendous appeal among political independents and some small 'd' democrats."

USC political scientist Blease Graham, "Sanford, I think has distinguished himself as perhaps the anti-traditional government candidate. Being a member of the congressional class of 1994. The Contract With America. A governor like Sanford could be one among a group of contenders that could emerge as a presidential nominee."

Sanford's press secretary says the governor has a job, but his office did not elaborate Wednesday when asked for further comment or a statement.
    
A state Democratic Party spokesman told News 10 Sanford should work on his relationship with members of his own party before considering a bid for the presidency. Former Democratic Chairman Dick Harpootlian told us, "We just don't think he's the guy to beat John Kerry."

By Jack Kuenzie
Posted 6:22pm by BrettWitt