S.C. Senate primary is laden with subplots

Some South Carolina Republicans wanted Jenny Sanford to seek an open congressional seat, but despite her knowledge of policy, political influence and deep pockets that would help run a well-financed campaign, she declined.

But her ex-husband, Mark, is in the race.

Yes, that Mark Sanford, who as governor infamously told aides he was “hiking the Appalachian Trail” for six days when, in fact, he was romancing an Argentine woman. The now-divorced Sanford, who is engaged to the Argentine, is relying on the public’s large capacity for forgiveness to wage a comeback.

And Sanford’s involvement is just one quirk in a 16-candidate race for the March 19 GOP primary. Teddy Turner, son of media mogul Ted Turner, is another candidate, along with a retired sheriff and two high-profile state legislators.

The Democratic primary is much tamer, with just two candidates. One is a perennial candidate who has unsuccessfully run in nearly every election the past 40 years. The other is Stephen Colbert’s sister.

With so many Republican candidates, none is likely to capture a majority, forcing a runoff before the May election. Political observers say there is a decent chance the candidates in May will be Sanford and Elizabeth Colbert Busch.

The winner will replace Tim Scott, who in turn replaced Sen. Jim DeMint.