Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford is launching a political comeback that may begin within days.
Sanford is planning to run for the Congressional seat he held almost a decade ago, a Republican source familiar with his thinking told CNN late Thursday.
"He's looking all but certain to do it," said a former top aide to Sanford, who did not want to be identified while prematurely revealing the plans.
A formal announcement will come soon, the source said.
Sanford was a popular Congressman from SC-01 before running against, and defeating, Gov. Jim Hodges in 2002. The first 6 years and 5 months of Sanford's gubernatorial tenure brought him accolades from national conservatives, particularly those with libertarian leanings, but he was never loved by the Good Ol' Boy network, some of which endorsed his Democratic opponent in 2006.
More relevantly, Sanford hiked in Appalachia in 2010 and deceived his entire state. Having since divorced his wife Jenny and married his Argentine mistress, Sanford is looking to reboot his career, although his polling numbers remain terrible even among Republicans.
Because South Carolina uses runoffs, Sanford's chances don't appear great, since more than 50% of the electorate is likely to oppose him under any circumstances. However, he could very well finish second...which maybe, just maybe, could mean a Mark vs. Jenny runoff. Pass the popcorn. I love politics! (Update: Keep the popcorn in the cupboard. Apparently Mark would have deferred to Jenny, and his entry is a sign that she's out.)
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