S.C.’s Sanford: I won’t run for office again if I lose election

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford says if he fails in his attempt to return to Congress, he will not seek office again.

Sanford talked with reporters Tuesday in Charleston after voting in his bid to claim the 1st District congressional seat he held before becoming governor in 2003.

Sanford says he is tired but cautiously optimistic after the 5-month campaign.

Sanford says if he does not defeat Democrat Elizabeth Colbert Busch, he will not seek office again.

The former Republican governor disappeared in 2009 for five days, returning to admit he had been in Argentina visiting his mistress — a woman to whom he’s now engaged.

Colbert Busch is the sister of political satirist Stephen Colbert, who has helped by attending fundraisers.

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