Jenny Sanford, Candidate?

South Carolina’s political insiders are speculating that Jenny Sanford could make a run at Congress or even her soon-to-be ex-husband’s soon-to-be ex-job. Sanford has a wealth of political contacts, including top fundraisers, and an impressive resume in finance. She also served as her husband’s campaign manager in his initial runs for Congress and governor, and was considered a driving force behind his success.

Some even credit her with preventing Mark Sanford’s impeachment; she called legislative leaders and urged them to call off the dogs. “She is one of the most talented and smartest political operatives I have ever seen,” former South Carolina GOP chairman Katon Dawson tells Politico. But friends say she's more interested in living a normal life. “I guarantee you she will never run for anything,” says the governor’s ex-communications officer. (More Jenny Sanford stories.)