January 5, 2010

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A South Carolina state lawmaker says a legislative probe of Gov. Mark Sanford's conduct that spared the two-term Republican from impeachment was a "political whitewash" and another investigation is needed.

State Sen. Jake Knotts said Tuesday the Senate needs to do its own review of the issues behind a House proposal to censure – but not remove -- Sanford. The West Columbia Republican says the panel that came up with the censure never seriously considered impeachment.

Knotts is a longtime foe of the governor and he does not have the backing of legislative leaders who want to pass the censure resolution quickly after lawmakers return to Columbia next week. Knotts could delay those efforts.

Sanford has been under scrutiny since he revealed an affair in June.

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