Rudy's guy in South Carolina steps down as state treasurer

S.C. treasurer resigns from office following drug indictment By SEANNA ADCOX Associated Press Writer COLUMBIA, S.C. --South Carolina Treasurer Thomas Ravenel resigned from office Tuesday, more than a month after he was indicted on a federal cocaine charge. "I'm deeply disappointed in myself for the circumstances surrounding my presence here today due to the personal mistakes I've made in my life," Ravenel, 44, said outside a courthouse where he appeared for the first time to face a charge of possession with intent to distribute less than 500 grams of cocaine. His voice shaking, Ravenel apologized to South Carolinians. "To the people of South Carolina and to my family, I am deeply sorry," he said. "Now in the best interest of our state, I believe I must resign." He did not answer questions from reporters and left with his sisters supporting him on each arm. His attorneys entered a not guilty plea on his behalf earlier this month. Prosecutors have said Ravenel shared the cocaine with his friends and did not sell the drug. He spent 30 days in a rehabilitation program in Arizona before returning to South Carolina on Sunday. The millionaire developer's resignation was effective Tuesday. Ravenel, a Republican, had been considered a rising political star before his indictment was announced June 19. Ravenel was suspended by Gov. Mark Sanford immediately after his indictment was announced. Three days later, he entered the Sierra Tucson Center, a psychiatric hospital in Catalina, Ariz., that specializes in addiction and behavioral disorder treatment. Before walking into the courtroom, Ravenel chatted with family members and his attorney, smiling and laughing. He answered routine questions from U.S. Magistrate Joseph McCrorey and the judge said he can attend another treatment program in Sante Fe, N.M. McCrorey ordered Ravenel to meet with federal probation officers Wednesday. He will leave the next day for more treatment at the Life Treatment Center, said his attorney Gedney Howe. He declined to specify what kind of treatment Ravenel is to receive. Ravenel's next court appearance was scheduled for Aug. 21. Jury selection is set for Sept. 5. If convicted, Ravenel would face up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. He remains free on a $100,000 unsecured bond. Prosecutor William Witherspoon said it's not unheard of for defendants to be allowed to leave the state for treatment programs. He said he was preparing for trial. Ravenel also has stepped down as state campaign chairman for Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani. The son of Arthur Ravenel, a former congressman and longtime state senator, the younger Ravenel started his political career in 2004 by funding his own campaign for U.S. Senate. He lost in the Republican primary. Ravenel won the treasurer's office in November, easily beating a longtime Democrat incumbent. The General Assembly must elect a permanent replacement for Ravenel. The House and Senate, which adjourned for the year in June, adopted a resolution a day after the indictment that allows lawmakers to come back to Columbia to elect a replacement if Ravenel resigned or was convicted. Columbia attorney Ken Wingate was been appointed interim state treasurer by Sanford.