They are personal and intimate details of what Gov. Mark Sanford said, in an interview with the Associated Press, is more than an affair with his mistress from Argentina.

"It's a love story. A forbidden one, a tragic one, but a love story at the end of the day," Gov. Sanford said.

Sanford says his actions were worth the price he's now paying.

"Did I want the consequences? No. But I said this to her down there, I said, I am fully aware of the price. I'm fully aware of the costs. And I'm willing to do that,” Gov. Sanford said.

The admissions have shocked the state and its leaders.

"It was almost as if he was trying to dismiss his behavior by justifying it by saying this is a true love story she is my soul mate. My response to him was governor you are doing this in the confines of a covenant marriage,” Senator Larry Grooms said.

Grooms asked Sanford to step down Tuesday.

"This is a soap opera,” Senator Grooms said.

In a new statement, Gov. Sanford's office says he's "given a full and truthful account, and he is finished discussing this matter." 

The head of the Senate is suggesting the situation is far from over. 

Senator Glenn McConnell, not demanding Sanford step down, but saying "after his latest admissions, we must wonder has the Governor come completely clean." 

Democrats and republicans alike...left waiting for what's next.

Sled has launched a review of all of the governor's travel documents. That's expected to be complete tomorrow. 

 Email To Friend