Wilson and Sanford: A fringe of S.C. politics or a core part of its history?

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While Gov. Mark Sanford and Rep. Joe Wilson dominate news cycles, a question emerges: Are they recent cultural oddities or a more chronic condition of South Carolina politicians?

Read more stories on this subject in our politcs topic page.After all, it wasn't too long ago we proudly had Senator Strom Thurmond in office.

To that effect The New York time has assembled four concise columns on the matter. And from tales and perspective from the 1856 incident when S.C. Congressman Preston Brooks beat another senator on the Senate floor, to threatening to secede from the Confederacy, the bits talked about are particular illuminating.

Go take a read.

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