South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford admitted that he has had an extramarital affair and apologized to his wife and children. He held a press conference to explain a five-day trip to Argentina during which his staff and family said they did not know his whereabouts.

During his absence, his staff had said he was off hiking the Appalachian Trail to relax after a stressful legislative session, and his wife said he was away writing.

Well the Republican field for 2012 just got smaller… Schmuck.

Update: Michelle Malkin sums Sanford’s actions in one word: Bastard, that’s about covers it… Sanford betrayed his wife, his staff and the people of South Carolina.