US Rep Sanford Calls Off Engagement to 'Soul Mate'

[Lisa D]

34. I just want to address the use of the word "mistake" in regard to having an affair.

If Sanford was unhappy in his marriage or no longer in love with his wife, he had choices. He could have asked for a separation or a divorce. Not easy and still painful for his family, but necessary if he wanted to be with someone else.

Instead, he *chose* to lie to his wife and betray her in one of the worst ways possible, which led to her very public humiliation and the Appalachian Trail nonsense. That was an intentional choice he made and, unfortunately, his wife, his children, Chapur, and Sanford himself are now dealing with the ugly consequences of his choice. He may deeply regret those choices and consequences now, but his behavior was not some unintentional mistake and he needs to own those consequences.

However, I do absolutely agree with you that he should have visitation with his children. That is a completely separate issue from his affair.