Former gov. breaks up with Argentine fiancee

COLUMBIA, South Carolina (AP) — A former state governor who was forced to resign following revelations that he had an Argentine mistress said Friday he was calling off his engagement with her.

Mark Sanford, who is now a Republican congressman representing South Carolina, is blaming ongoing contention with his ex-wife, Jenny Sanford, for the breakup.

"No relationship can stand forever this tension," Sanford wrote on his Facebook page.

He added that he will be forever grateful for Maria Belen Chapur, and that it's possible "there will be another chapter when waters calm with Jenny."

Sanford had to resign as governor five years ago after he disappeared for five days, telling his staff he was hiking the Appalachian Trail. He returned to admit in a tearful news conference that he had been in Argentina with his mistress.

He later paid a $70,000 ethics fine, the largest in state history, for using public money to fly for personal purposes. His wife and political ally, with whom he has four sons, divorced him.

He nevertheless managed an unlikely political comeback last year, when he won back his old congressional seat.

Sanford's rambling message on Facebook came after attorneys for Jenny Sanford asked a family court judge to limit his visitation with his youngest child. They also asked that Sanford undergo psychological tests and take anger management and parenting courses.

Sanford said the accusations and ensuing demands were preposterous and wrong.