Does a One Time Moral Hiccup Impede Moral Leadership?

After five days of mysterious disappearance, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford returned from Buenos Aires, Argentina admitting to marital infidelity with an Argentine woman. Ten days earlier, his wife had kicked him out of their home. For Mr. Sanford, this appears to be a one time moral hiccup. This scenario is not uncommon among politicians. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has recently been accused of having an extra-marital affair with an 18 year old. When asked about Prime Minister Berlusconi’s allegations, citizens of Italy generally responded, “He’s an Italian man.” Italians were more upset with suspicions that Mr. Berlusconi might have used government assets in his dalliance. Jefferson, Cleveland, Roosevelt, Kennedy, Clinton, and numerous other public officials have continued to serve successfully in the midst of tryst relationships. Others in lesser offices have resigned in shame for similar infidelities.

Certainly, infidelity is a matter of personal character. Beyond the obvious, Governor Sanford’s ethical leadership is questionable considering his departure to Argentina and absence without notifying his staff. In fact, he told them he was hiking the Appalachian Trail in Northeast Georgia. More importantly, he left the country without transferring gubernatorial powers to Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer. The press published romantic emails from Mr. Sanford to his Argentine mistress. Were they written on the gov.sc.gov email system? Was it ethical to publish the intimate email? As commander-in-chief of the South Carolina National Guard and head of the South Carolina Homeland Security, was there a risk for national security by having a romantic affair with an Argentine woman? Can Mr. Sanford effectively complete the remaining few months of his governorship, or should he resign? What other moral leadership implications are there to be considered? Let me know.