Sanford thought about resigning

Gov. Mark Sanford (R-S.C.) thought about resigning but decided to remain in office to restore the public’s trust in him, the South Carolina governor told the Associated Press today.

“Resigning would be the easiest thing to do,” Sanford said.

Sanford gave the interview from his home on Sullivans Island, where he is staying with his wife and children as he attempts to repair his marriage.

More from the AP:

When it comes to his critics–most notably state Sen. Jake Knotts, R-West Columbia–and their calls for him to step down, Sanford said he understands where they are coming from.

“I don’t begrudge the Jakie Knottses of the world,” Sanford said. “He’s going to do what he’s going to do. I gotta do my part.”

As far as his wife, Sanford said they are working on their relationship.

“If there wasn’t healing going on, I wouldn’t be here,” he said, pointing to his beach house, where he had dinner with his family Saturday night and where he took a run at sunrise on the sand with one of his sons.