DOT director apologizes to governor, wife

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The song also referred to Mrs. Sanford as his "rich wife."

"The Office of Governor is deserving of the greatest respect," Mabry wrote in a letter to Sanford released Thursday. "Please accept my expression of deepest regret for any embarrassment or distress that you and your family may have experienced as a result of the song."

She wrote a separate letter to Sanford's wife.

"I, too, am a wife and mother, and I know that unkind public remarks can cause distress to everyone in the family, which can make it even more difficult to accept," Mabry wrote. "I send my personal expression of regret for the role, even if indirectly, that SCDOT may have played in any distress you have suffered."

The song was in part written and produced by Michael Covington, deputy director for executive support at DOT and also the agency's lobbyist. Covington said CDs with the song and another parody tune were released last week to several people at a private lobbyist event. He said he has been helping to write such song parodies for 18 years and the songs weren't meant to offend anyone. He became deputy director this year.

In the song, labeled "The Spelling Song," the lyrics describe what each letter of Sanford's name stands for.

"And D we save for last, 'cause it stands for ...," the lyrics read. "This man really doesn't have a clue."

The song says that the R stands for Sanford's "rich wife," while the N stands for "his naive proposals."

"Michael said the song was only meant to be given to a few people," Mabry wrote. "Regardless of whether the song was intended to be given out sparingly, or that he participated on his private time, Michael realizes his new role as an SCDOT deputy requires that he carefully consider how his private actions may affect public officials, and our agency. He feels that he has learned a valuable lesson."

Mabry said in her letter to Mrs. Sanford that Covington also apologized and said "he did not intend for it to be released publicly."

Mabry added that she had not heard the song and didn't intend to listen to it.

A companion song on the CD, entitled, "You're Not Too Bright, YOURSELF," refers to an interview by a Columbia television reporter with a Charleston lawmaker on the subject of domestic violence. That song, which was played at the lobbyists' event, also mentions Sanford.

Covington has said he produced the CDs at his home and the project didn't involve any DOT money.

Lawmakers this week were critical of the song, with Rep. Fletcher Smith of Greenville, a Democrat, saying he thought Sanford was owed an apology.

Sen. Greg Ryberg of Aiken, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, wrote a letter to Mabry on Monday suggesting she take some action in the matter.

Ryberg wrote that the "Spelling Song" "not only exhibits complete disrespect for the duly elected governor of South Carolina but also an arrogant attitude that the department can ill afford to display at this or any time."

Sanford listened to the CD last week and said afterward he wasn't taking it personally.

When asked about the songs last week prior to listening to them, the governor said the DOT has "shown a lot of talent over there for doing a lot of things that have nothing to do with building roads."