South Carolina state representatives formally reprimanded a governor on Wednesday for the first time, admonishing Gov. Mark Sanford (R) for secret trips to see his Argentine mistress and improper use of state aircraft.The lawmakers voted 102 to 11 to censure Sanford for bringing "ridicule, dishonor, disgrace and shame" to himself and the state. The rebuke says the two-term Republican was derelict in his duty and abused his power.
The issue came up a few hours later in the Senate but was sidelined when a legislator said the resolution needed to be reviewed in committee. Some Senate leaders have said their body might never vote on censure.
The censure has no practical effect on the final year of Sanford's tenure. State law prevents him from running again.