More on the Sanford saga

By Michael J.W. Stickings

(See my first post on the strange, disturbing saga here.)

Wait. Did Sanford go hiking... or not?

CNN is reporting that Sanford's SUV was found at the Columbia airport.

TPM is reporting, citing WYFF-4, that Sanford was seen boarding a plane in Atlanta -- without security.

There was contradiction already: He was hiking, his office said. He was off to do some writing, his wife said. Was he writing while hiking the Appalachian Trail? Really?

Now, though, it seems that there may be more to the story than the "official" story. He may have contacted his office yesterday morning, but his wife, Jenny, apparently still hasn't heard from him: "I am being a mom today," she said, "I have not heard from my husband. I am taking care of my children." Okay, but this is her husband. How is she so dismissive of his sudden and prolonged absence? Or is she just putting up a good front? (Maybe she's come to expect this sort of thing, whatever it is.) And why hasn't he gotten in touch with her? Doesn't that seem odd?

So where is he? And where has he been?

He's expected back today. He'll be up to his earlobes in spin, but, at this point, there are many more questions than answers.