Lt. Governor Caught Twice For Speeding, Got No Ticket

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer has been stopped at least twice for speeding in the past four months, but did not get a ticket.

"I made a mistake," Bauer said in a statement. "I am embarrassed by these events, and I accept responsibility for having a lead foot. In my role as lieutenant governor, I am called upon to participate in many events across the state, and I am honored to do so. Unfortunately, this often leads me to over-extend myself, and in my eagerness, I have made honest mistakes. However, I don't expect to be treated any differently than other citizens of South Carolina. I would like to apologize for the negative attention that my actions have brought to the Office of Lieutenant Governor and for the time and attention that has been taken away from the important issues facing the citizens of South Carolina because of it."

Information obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press under a Freedom of Information Act request shows Bauer was doing 101 mph on Interstate 77 on Feb. 25 in Chester County. Bauer radioed a dispatcher and tried to communicate with a trooper who was chasing him. The speed limit was 70 mph. The trooper pulled along side and asked Bauer's name and left.

Bauer was stopped for going 77 or 78 miles an hour on Interstate 385 in Laurens County the day after Christmas. The speed limit was 65 mph.

Public Safety Director James Schweitzer last week told troopers that a person's political status should not affect law enforcement actions.

Bauer was stopped in Columbia in 2003 for going 60 mph in a 35 mph zone. He paid more than $300 in fines or driving too fast and failing to stop for an officer's flashing blue lights or siren in that case.

He has not yet filed for re-election. The deadline is Thursday.