Mark Sanford profile

Types	Person, Political Candidate, Elected Representative
Birthplace	South Carolina
Date of Birth	May 28 '60

As governor, Sanford’s adopted budget proposals have saved tens of millions of dollars. In 2003, South Carolina was in a $1 billion financial hole, but through the governor’s push for fiscal... more » As governor, Sanford’s adopted budget proposals have saved tens of millions of dollars. In 2003, South Carolina was in a $1 billion financial hole, but through the governor’s push for fiscal responsibility was able to start the 2007 budget process in the black for the first time in 16 years. Under Governor Sanford’s leadership, South Carolina passed comprehensive tort reform and cut the marginal income tax rate -- both firsts in state history. At the end of 2006, there were 150,000 more people working than there were working when Governor Sanford took office. This increased represented a 15-year record for employment growth.

Sanford brought the Department of Motor Vehicles into the governor’s Cabinet, and reforms there have reduced wait times by 66 percent. The landmark campaign finance reform and commerce disclosure reform bills signed by Sanford have brought sunlight and accountability to state government, and, for the first time ever, campaign disclosure reports are now available online. Sanford has held monthly "Open Door After 4" meetings in his office, where anyone from anywhere in the state can come by for a visit.

The state passed the first-of-its-kind charter school legislation to provide parents more choices regarding where their children attend school. In addition, more land has been set aside during his governorship than under any other in South Carolina history. Further restructuring of South Carolina’s system of government continues to be one of his top priorities in his efforts to bring accountable and cost-effective government to the state.

Sanford learned the themes of hard work and frugality with two brothers and a sister on their family farm near Beaufort, South Carolina. He graduated from high school in Beaufort before attending Furman University in Greenville, where he received a B.A. in business. He later received an M.B.A. from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business and went on to work in real estate finance and investment in New York and Charleston, South Carolina. Prior to his election as governor, Sanford served six years in the U.S. Congress, where he was a tireless advocate for the taxpayer. For his consistent efforts to lower taxes and limit government growth he was ranked #1 in Congress by Citizens Against Government Waste. « less