Picking Winners and Losers: The Governorship of Mark Sanford

Focused from 2003 to 2011, I argue that the flawed execution of executive leadership under Governor Mark Sanford directly contributed to his administrations failure to accomplish his central goal of reforming South Carolinas fiscal policies. By evaluating Sanfords two terms in office, I demonstrate that he contributed to a legislative dynamic that divided Republican leaders and ultimately weakened the authority held by the governors office. This thesis relies on an analysis of media coverage, and most directly, draws upon independently conducted interviews with: Mark Sanford, his chiefs of staff Fred Carter, Tom Davis, and Scott English, legislative liaison Chip Campsen, and more than thirty individuals, ranging from legislators to party chairmen.