'Stand With Jenny' Petition

Amid the heartbreaking turmoil of her personal life, South Carolinians appear more enamored than ever of their first lady, Jenny Sanford. As Newsweek's Kathy Deveny noted, Mrs. Sanford's response to her husband's teary press conference and public confession of infidelity seemed pitch perfect to most women. She played neither the humilated victim nor the scorned wife. Rather, Jenny projects an image of loving mother, prepared to forgive but not to compromise her principles. The reaction of South Carolina's women to Jenny's statement and interview has prompted the Palmetto Family Council, conservative Christian organization, to launch "Stand With Jenny", a petition showing support for the First Lady. They'd received so many emails and phonecalls from constituents who were angry with Sanford but proud of his wife that they wanted to provide a space for the community to both vent frustration and offer consolation. The petition calls Sanford "inspiring" and "an example to women everywhere of biblical motherhood." The Palmetto Family Council hopes the petition will "encourage her and thank her for her strength, her courage, her commitment to her family, and her example." A spokesperson told your Gaggler that the online petition already had over 1000 signatures by this morning, and the number is still growing. (Warning: the petition requires you to submit an email and home address. I can't guarantee you won't end up on unwanted mailing lists if you sign it.)