A break for a moment from the Kennedy coverage to note this interesting political development in South Carolina. The State reports exclusively this morning that Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer (R) plans to call on Gov. Mark Sanford (R) to resign; he will pledge not to seek a full term in 2010 if he does so.

From The State:

Bauer is the first constitutional officer to join a growing chorus of lawmakers pushing for Sanford to resign, including a majority of Republican state senators.

Today's announcement, according to a source close to Bauer, is intended to send a message to State House leadership that Sanford needs to step down and Bauer won't stand in the way. Some lawmakers have been hesitant to push for Sanford's resignation because it would give Bauer an unfair advantage in the 2010 race, as he would be running for governor as an incumbent.

Bauer plans to send a letter to Sanford today to ask him to resign. The House Republican Caucus will discuss whether to impeach Sanford this weekend at its Myrtle Beach retreat.