I guess Governor Mark Sanford's name can be scratched from the list of those who might provide renewed leadership to the GOP in 2010 and 2012. If you recall, there was more than a little conversation from the "Republican base" regarding drafting Sanford to run for the White House back when the campaign for the 2008 election was heating up. It will be interesting to see how the Christian right reacts. The movement's leaders were so keen on Sanford during the 2008 presidential cycle—and so unenthusiastic about the rest of the Republican field—that they tried to draft him to run for the White House.

A 2007 New York Times article broke the story on the draft-Sanford movement:

"A group of influential Christian conservatives and their allies emerged from a private meeting at a Florida resort this month dissatisfied with the Republican presidential field and uncertain where to turn.

The event was a meeting of the Council for National Policy, a secretive club whose few hundred members include Dr. James C. Dobson of Focus on the Family, the Rev. Jerry Falwell of Liberty University and Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform. Although little known outside the conservative movement, the council has become a pivotal stop for Republican presidential primary hopefuls, including George W. Bush on the eve of his 1999 primary campaign."

I wonder what Rush, Sean, Ann and Bill will have to ay about this...if anything.