Mark Sanford on Congressional Race: 'I'm a Wounded Warrior'

Shortly after confirming that he had officially entered the race for South Carolina Congressional District 1, which is where he began his political career, former Gov. Mark Sanford granted interviews to local television stations.

While speaking with WCBD-TV in Charleston, Sanford referenced the extramarital affair that doomed his political career by saying: "I'm a wounded warrior." 

See the complete interview with WCBD here.

Given that Sanford's troubles were often self-inflicted, the comparison to a soldier injured in battle was ironic. Sanford said the prospect of running again has him "scared to death."

Sanford was thought of as a contender for national office until he admitted to telling his staff in June 2009 he was going for a hike on the Appalachian Trail when in fact he was visiting his Argentinian mistress, Maria Belen Chapur.

A subsequent investigation into Sanford's absence led him to repay the state more than $70,000.

He and former First Lady Jenny Sanford later divorced in 2009. Mark Sanford is now engaged to Chapur. In the interview with WBCD, Sanford said he had spoken with the former first lady prior to entering the race.

While speaking with WCSC, Sanford did not discuss the affair. Instead, he talked about gun control and the mounting national debt.

The interview with WCSC can be viewed here.

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