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Article published Apr 8, 2004
Governor: Lawmaker recorded private meeting
Associated Press
CHARLESTON -- Gov. Mark Sanford says a
Mauldin lawmaker acted unethically by tape recording his private meeting with
House Republicans.Sanford identified state Rep. Dan Tripp as the lawmaker who
allegedly carried a tape recorder belonging to a member of the Statehouse press
corps into the closed session last week.Excerpts from the meeting were later
published by The (Columbia) State newspaper, detailing tense exchanges between
legislators and the governor. The taping was legal under South Carolina
law."Certainly what he did was absolutely in my book unethical," Sanford said
Tuesday after addressing the Charleston Rotary Club. "Positively I'll talk to
him."Sanford said the House GOP Caucus should look at ways to discipline
Tripp.Tripp could not be reached for comment.Sanford called the caucus into a
closed-door meeting after he had threatened to sue the Legislature, which
overrode his veto on a massive economic development bill. Sanford said the
legislation, which extended broader economic development incentives to
pharmaceutical companies, runs afoul of a constitutional requirement that bills
deal only with one topic.Sanford's press office said it learned of Tripp's
involvement from other lawmakers and Upstate media reports.House Speaker David
Wilkins, R-Greenville, said Tuesday that Tripp likely will be confronted when
the caucus meets in two weeks. The House is on furlough this week.Wilkins said
the taping incident was unfortunate and a mistake since the members assumed the
meeting was private. He said he didn't know what action could be taken against
Tripp if he is responsible, partly because the caucus has no rules for such a
scenario."I'm sure Mr. Tripp will come and respond, and we'll go from there,"
Wilkins said. "But it's going to be something we'll internally handle
ourselves."Sanford said some of Tripp's remarks in the meeting appeared crafted
for the benefit of the tape recorder."He was, in essence, trying to bait me,
saying crazy things about (Commerce Secretary) Bob Faith." Sanford characterized
what Tripp did as "trying to get you off your edge, and get you basically heated
under the collar. And that's not right."