Living by God's word, committment to God's laws, and embracing family values are not only honorable but desirable. But when we enter the political arena or for that matter, any other profession that draws the public eye, you must remember that you're under the microscope and you will be judged more on what you do as opposed to what you say.
Like a typical Republican, Mark Sanford chose a sermon as his smoke screen to his behavior in betraying his wife and family. Now I know he took the blame and responsibility for his behavior. After all, he even offered his resignation as chairman of the Republican Governor's association. Way to throw yourself under the bus as if anyone really gives a shit about that. How about resigning as Governor, since you decided to go AWOL, leaving your state in a state of limbo.
Now we have to understand that Sanford had been bitterly dissapointed over the fact that his state legislature cleaned his clock by over-riding his veto eleven lucky times. But he needs to understand that his radicalism has it's price and you have to take your medicine like a man instead of running off to your mistress in Argentina. Don't worry Mark, Argentina won't cry for you.
I know that the Republicans never change their playbook which is why they will wither in political obscurity for years to come, but when will they learn that their holier than thou, self righeous indignation comes back to bite them in the ass every time?
Love God, love country, but don't exploit these two sacred values for your own political gain because if you do, there will be dire consequennces.