Sanford says he would not resign over protracted call-up

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"My first commitment is to the voters of South Carolina," Sanford said in a morning press conference with his wife, Jenny, at his side. Sanford announced Wednesday in letters to Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer and legislative leaders he would join his unit if called up and told Bauer to be prepared to temporarily take over the governor's duties.

In January 2002, as a Republican candidate for governor, the former three-term congressman from Sullivans Island obtained a commission as a reserve first lieutenant. Sanford, now 42, was assigned to the 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base.

He said he intended to demonstrate for his four young sons how to meet the responsibilities of citizenship and his view of the servant-leader.

"It's who I am," he said.

Sanford said Wednesday he reached the decision after "a lot of soul-searching, with my wife, with prayer."

Jenny Sanford said she is "completely supportive," as are their four young boys, who are also worried.

"They're little boys," she said, "they're concerned if you're away. We're going to pray, we're going to cry."

Just how far Sanford might have to go is questionable.

A spokeswoman for his unit said Tuesday it was unlikely Sanford would leave the Charleston base where he is a medical administrative officer. Debra Baldwin said also Sanford would not have had a choice to opt out of a call-up.

Hazardous duty is a remote possibility, Sanford agreed. The squadron's giant C-17 transports are unlikely to be in harm's way and a medical administrative officer's duties involve the logistical chain.

He recalled weekend duty that had him placing stanchions on the tarmac around a C-17.

Sanford already faces a mandatory two-week training program in late March and early April but he said his gubernatorial duties could be met on weekends and by telephone, e-mail and fax during free time. The course could be waived in the event of activation for the expected war with Iraq.

The governor said he met Tuesday with Bauer to underscore that his agenda for restructuring state government and the way it functions must remain on track if he is absent.

Sanford said in meeting his military obligation, his first commitment is to the Governor's Office.

"With all due respect to the (military) job, it is much less taxing than the one I have now. It is something I can very much get my arms around. The responsibilities of a lieutenant are miles away from the responsibilities of a governor," Sanford said.

Sanford said the back problems he began experiencing during the campaign would not keep him from meeting his military obligation. "The pain is getting better; I'm on the road to recovery."

An MRI last week revealed a torn disk, but doctors said there is no need for surgery, Sanford said.

Sanford said he also supports federal legislation introduced by Sen. Ernest F. Hollings, D-S.C., and Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., to reinstate the military draft.

"Every American needs to be vested in the system," he said.

— Dan Hoover covers politics and can be reached at 298-4883.