S.C. Lawmakers To Take Up Impeachment

South Carolina lawmakers plan to formally consider the possible impeachment of Gov. Mark Sanford for the first time next week.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Harrison told The Associated Press on Friday that he will gather a seven-member panel on Tuesday to begin discussing whether to begin proceedings that ultimately could remove the Republican governor.

The Columbia Republican says the panel will begin talking about whether Sanford was neglectful when he left he state for five days in June without telling staff where he was going. When he returned, the governor confessed to going to Argentina to see his lover.

Harrison said he plans to send an impeachment resolution to the full Judiciary Committee by Christmas.

Previous Stories: November 19, 2009: S.C. Rep. Says Sanford Will Likely Keep Job November 18, 2009: S.C. Gov. Sanford To Face Hearing Into Possible Ethics Violations November 18, 2009: S.C. Panel Determines Sanford Should Face Hearing November 17, 2009: S.C. Lawmaker Introduces Gov. Impeachment Measure November 12, 2009: S.C. House Committee Readies For Sanford Impeachment October 27, 2009: S.C. Lawmakers Nix Considering Sanford Impeachment October 21, 2009: Chester Rep. Plans To Introduce S.C. Gov. Impeachment Proceedings October 2, 2009: SC Supreme Court To Review Gov's Ethics Arguments September 8, 2009: S.C. Governor Defends Flights, Staying In Office