The married father of four says he has developed a relationship with a woman in Argentina and explains his six-day absence.

In a shocking and astonishing press conference, choked-up South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford comes clean about his actions.

He says he has developed a relationship with a woman from Argentina, and that is who he went to visit during his mysterious absence.

Sanford says he met his mistress -- a mother of two boys -- eight years ago after she had gotten separated from her husband. They struck up an innocent conversation; it began on a very casual basis. He says they developed a remarkable friendship over the years, and in the past year, it sparked into something more. They have seen each other three times in the past year since the "sparking" began, and the affair was discovered five months ago.

"God's law indeed is there to protect you from yourself, and there are consequences if you breach that. This press conference is a consequence of that," Sanford said. "I've been unfaithful to my wife. I've developed a relationship with what started out as a dear, dear friend from Argentina."

He issued an apology to his wife and sons Marshall, Landon, Bolton and Blake (whom he left alone on Father's Day to go on this trip). He also apologized to his staff, friends, in-laws, and the people of the state of South Carolina.

He has resigned as the chair of the Republican Governors Association, but at this time has not resigned as governor.

He alluded to the fact that he is trying to reconcile with his wife. He also alluded to the fact that he has ended the relationship with his mistress in Argentina. Sanford asked for forgiveness.

His wife, First Lady Jenny Sanford, says she asked the governor to leave two weeks ago, so when he was gone, she says she did not know his whereabouts because of their separation.

Read Mrs. Sanford's entire statement here.

What do you think about this? We're shocked!