Live on Television: U.S. politicians confess sins!

By John Whitesides

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - With a tearful admission and groveling apologies, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford on Wednesday became the latest member of a fast-growing club of U.S. politicians -- the penitent sexual wanderers.

During a televised news conference on his return from a secret Argentina getaway, Sanford admitted to an extramarital affair with a "dear, dear friend" and apologized profusely to his wife, family, friends, constituents and seemingly everyone else he could think of.

"I hurt a lot of different folks, and all I can say is that I apologize," he said, fighting back tears repeatedly.

Sanford's admission capped days of uncertainty about the whereabouts of the conservative governor and former congressman, considered in some quarters a potential Republican presidential candidate in 2012.

It also made him the latest U.S. politician to face the awkward task of salvaging a career after an illicit sexual affair blew up into public humiliation.

For many U.S. politicians, sex scandals have been a one-way ticket to the political wilderness. A few have weathered the storm, usually after a contrite apology and months of staying out of the public eye.

In today's 24-hour news cycle, the mea culpas are broadcast live and on television, and the fallout comes fast.

CLINTON, SPITZER & CO

Bill Clinton survived an affair with an intern and a months-long impeachment battle in Congress and finished his presidential term still beloved by many in his party. But Eliot Spitzer's dalliances with prostitutes led to a quick resignation as New York governor.

Now he is returning slowly to the public eye as a pundit.

Former senator and presidential candidate John Edwards had an affair that only became public after his White House campaign was over.

He too is making tentative attempts to re-emerge in public and recently gave his first detailed interview. But many of his former supporters remain deeply disenchanted about a man who cheated on his wife while she was battling cancer.

New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey admitted under threat of a lawsuit that he had a homosexual affair with a man he appointed as an adviser and resigned his office in 2004.

Louisiana Senator David Vitter is considered a strong candidate for re-election next year despite admitting he had been a customer of a Washington D.C. prostitution ring.

Nevada Senator John Ensign is hoping for political survival after confessing he had an affair with a campaign aide who was married to one of his top legislative advisers.