http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/06/28...

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford considered resigning from office after his extramarital affair came to light, the Republican revealed Sunday in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press.

But Sanford, who hasn't spoken publicly since Friday, said he spoke with close spiritual and political associates who advised him to fight to restore the public's -- and his family's -- trust in him.

''Resigning would be the easiest thing to do,'' he said.

Sanford spoke outside his coastal home on Sullivans Island. Wearing frayed khaki shorts and a t-shirt, he talked about ''walking into the legislative term with a humble spirit.''