(CN) - The speaker of South Carolina's House of Representatives is not entitled to the State Ethics Commission's documents from its investigation of Gov. Mark Sanford, the South Carolina Supreme Court ruled.
Sanford disappeared over the summer for several days. It was later discovered that he had flown to Argentina to be with his mistress.
The governor waived his rights to confidentiality in the ongoing investigation, saying:
"In an effort to once again go the extra mile, I would like to waive my right to confidentiality in your upcoming ethics probe. I believe that the whole of our travel records will show that this administration has worked very hard to be a good steward of taxpayer resources."
Despite this waiver, Justice Waller ruled that state House Speaker Robert Harrell Jr. is not entitled to the fruits of the commission's investigation.
"The House of Representatives may proceed with impeachment at its own choosing, irrespective of any finding by the Commission or any other investigation of the Governor," Waller wrote.
Waller also denied Sanford's request to enjoin the commission from presenting its findings to the House.
"The Commission has indicated that it will not disseminate the investigative summary or preliminary report in this matter until the governor's motion has been heard and acted upon by the Commission," Waller wrote.
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