Sanford saw his political career disintegrate four years ago when he disappeared for five days, telling his staff he was hiking the Appalachian Trail.

NPR: Ex-SC Gov. Sanford Back In Political Office

After telling his staff he was hiking the famed Appalachian Trail and disappearing for several days, the then-married governor returned to the state to admit that he had been in Argentina with a mistress.

BBC: Mark Sanford wins South Carolina House race

In 2009, after disappearing for several days and telling his staff he was hiking the famed Appalachian Trail, the then-married Mr Sanford returned to the state to admit that he had been in Argentina with a mistress.

BBC: Mark Sanford wins comeback nomination for Congress seat