Stephen Platt, senior account executive with Archer Financial Services, said the general weakness in commodities this week pressured gold, noting corn prices fell 10% following a bearish U.S. Department of Agriculture report.

FORBES: METALS OUTLOOK: Weaker Outlook For Gold Prices Likely

Sanford will face Democrat Elizabeth Colbert Busch, the sister of comedian Stephen Colbert, and Green Party candidate Eugene Platt in a May special election.

NPR: SC's Ex-Gov. Sanford Clears Hurdle In Comeback Bid