I think Sanford should resign, not simply for the affair, but because of his disappearance.

Likewise, with Clinton, it wasn't simply an issue of as affair.

With politicians and affairs, I think an issue of trust comes into play. If a politician will betray the person and/or people closest to them in such a dramatic way, how can I trust them not to be completely self serving in their handling of their duties in their job?

You can't. But you couldn't before the affair either.

Out of curiosity, would you change 401k plans if you learned the fund manager cheated on his wife? Or do you expect that he can separate the spheres?

Hmmm... a fair question. I suppose I might. I certainly recognize that we all have our failings, but as with anyone, I prefer to do business with those that I trust.

Yeah, I suppose there is the capability of separating those two spheres, but I would be much more likely to then wonder if I can trust him with my money (in terms of fraud rather than management capability), and those questions of trust could be enough to make me change some things.

Sanford should resign for leaving the state in which he was governor without a governor. When nobody obn staff or the Lt. Governor knew where he was or how to reach him. For this he should resign. ymmv

That's certainly dereliction of duty.

Wow, Rush Linbaugh is blaming Obama for Sanford's affair. Classic.

So, how many times can one make the same mistake before people have to start thinking it's not an accident?

Just wondering

Oh yes, he "should".

Besides, who is calling for anything? If Sanford believes that one should resign for either an illicit affair or lying, and he has certainly done both, then he should act on these beliefs and do the right thing.

But did he break up with the Argentine? Maybe he can be the first Open Marriage candidate?

Odds are low. His wife's already kicked him out of the house. Plus, Clinton was clearly the first open marriage candidate, even if they weren't entirely open about their open marriage.