Beleaguered SC gov seeks info on school plane use

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford is reviewing how three state-funded universities use their airplanes even as he faces scrutiny for his own travel practices.

Sanford spokesman Ben Fox said Monday there is no criticism of Clemson University, the Medical University of South Carolina and the University of South Carolina. But he says the Republican governor is trying to find out more about how they use their planes.

Sanford’s travel has drawn scrutiny since he disappeared for five days in June to visit an Argentine woman he calls his soul mate.

Sanford says he’s being singled out and other governors have used aircraft the same way he has. But GOP House Speaker Bobby Harrell says Sanford is trying to shift the spotlight away from himself.