Sanford: Travel habits not unprecedented

Embattled South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford said today that there was nothing unprecedented or seriously out of line amid accusations he was using state planes for personal trips.

An Associated Press investigation found that Sanford used state aircraft for personal and political trips, contrary to state law regarding official use.

OK, he says he has a real busy life ... running the state, running a family (with four boys), running off to Argentina for a little R&R ... busy, busy, busy.

According to the Associated Press:

Sanford, 49, has been under increased scrutiny since admitting in June to having a mistress in Argentina. He's vowed to stay in office and says he is trying to reconcile with his wife, who has moved out of the governor's mansion to live at the family's beach house with their sons. The governor said Tuesday the couple were not divorcing ... the governor has made a political career out of being outwardly thrifty -- known to demand that state employees use both sides of Post-It notes. He has frequently railed against government spending, and attempted for months to block federal stimulus money for South Carolina schools ... last month, the AP revealed how Sanford had flown first class and business class on commercial airlines at taxpayer expense, despite a law requiring lowest-cost travel ...