Forum Post: mark sanford wins an important endorsement

By KATIE GLUECK | 4/30/13 6:46 PM EDT

The founder and publisher of Hustler magazine has endorsed Mark Sanford for Congress, lauding him as a “sex pioneer” who challenges the “sexual hypocrisy of traditional values” — and asking for a photo op.

“I’m endorsing Mark Sanford for U.S. Congress because no one has done more to expose the sexual hypocrisy of traditional values in America today,” Larry Flynt of Hustler said in an endorsement posted Tuesday on YouTube. “Mark Sanford has demonstrated by his words and deeds that traditional values are shameful and that he will not live by such rules. His open embrace of his mistress in the name of love, breaking his sacred marriage vows, was an act of bravery that has drawn my support.”

Flynt’s endorsement of Sanford — it was not immediately clear whether the spot was intended to be satirical — comes ahead of a May 7 special election for the Charleston, S.C.-area seat. Sanford, the former Republican governor of South Carolina, is now engaged to his former mistress and divorced from his wife.

“My endorsement has not been an easy decision for me,” Flynt continued. “Even though Mark Sanford has emerged as a sexual leader, he is a liar. He lied to his staff and he lied to his wife, he lied to his children and he lied to the people of South Carolina. Despite his journey down this Appalachian Trail of deceit, I support him for exposing the hypocrisy of traditional values. The liar has exposed the greater lie.”

Flynt, who during the 2012 election cycle grudgingly told the Daily Caller that he would back President Barack Obama, later authored a post titled “why you should vote the Democratic ticket,” citing the economy and social issues like gay marriage and reproductive health. But on Monday, he said that he would donate $2,600 — the maximum individual contribution — to Sanford, who is running against Democratic candidate Elizabeth Colbert Busch.

“I invite Mark Sanford to meet with me man to man for a photo opportunity, to shake my hand in gratitude for my endorsement,” he said. “I’m looking forward to personally congratulating America’s great sex pioneer.”