Haven’t followed this tabloid story of misty mayhem as SC Gov. Mark Sanford got caught – literally – with his pants down in Argentina.

“WASHINGTON (CNN) — Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour has assumed the chairmanship of the Republican Governors Association, CNN has learned.

Barbour immediately takes over as head of the national Republican campaign organization following South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford’s announcement he was leaving the post. Sanford acknowledged Wednesday that he had an extramarital affair with a woman in Argentina.

“The news revealed today hurts all of us who have gotten to know Governor Sanford over the years and so it is with regret that the RGA accepted Governor Sanford’s resignation as chairman,” Barbour said in a statement obtained by CNN that will be distributed Wednesday afternoon. “While this news is deeply disappointing, I also know it’s important to remain focused on the future and Governor Sanford’s resignation allows him and us to do just that.

Barbour added: “The RGA has an important task over the next two years. I am committed to seeing it through and confident we will succeed.”

Nick Ayers, the RGA’s executive director, expressed disappointment about Sanford’s revelation.

“While I am personally disappointed in today’s revelation, I also know that it’s important for both Governor Sanford and the RGA to move forward as quickly as possible,” Ayers said in the forthcoming statement. “Therefore we accepted his resignation this afternoon.”

Good! Again the difference between Republicans and Democrats is accountability. While Sanford stepped down from his post as RGA head, ex-congressman William Jefferson hung on – 50+ indictments and all – until he was voted out. Heck, New York’s Governor Paterson had an affair for years, and still sits in office. You’ll remember he replaced Gov. Eliot Spitzer, whose passion for 24 something hookers is legendary. He did step down, but only after authorities exposed he used government funds for his fun.

And we all know what Clinton did with his finger.

So on it goes. We’re all human, the difference is what you do when you are confronted with your sin. Obviously Republicans do a hell of a lot better job at accepting responsibility for their actions.

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