U.S. taxpayers twice paid for Mark Sanford’s trips to Argentina, though they occurred before he met his mistress there. Another trip to the land of gauchos was funded by South Carolinians and took place after he met his lover, though before he claims to have, er, danced the tango with her.

Politico via Political Wire:

Though it’s unclear precisely when the trip occurred, it likely would have taken place after he had met the woman. Sanford said Wednesday he met the woman eight years ago, though a romantic relationship did not develop until one year ago.

Sanford also traveled to China and Brazil through the state commerce department, and a review of its records late last year by state press found that taxpayers footed a total bill of $21,488 in Sanford travel. The governors’ office also spent $1,976 in travel for Sanford, according to the review.

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