61 South Carolina House Republicans call on Governor Sanford to resign

"Your decision to abandon our state for five days, with no defined order of succession and with no known way to contact you, is inexcusable," said a letter from the lawmakers signed by House Majority Leader Kenny Bingham.

The letter, which listed the names of 59 other lawmakers, came a day after the House speaker issued a similar call. Any move to impeach the GOP governor would begin in the House, which has 72 Republicans, 51 Democrats and one empty seat. Bingham's office said an additional member joined the effort after the letter landed on Sanford's desk.

The chamber's Democratic leader, Rep. Harry Ott, D-St. Matthews, has said his caucus will discuss the governor next month. Columbia Democratic Rep. James Smith, who is working with Democrats and Republicans on an impeachment resolution, said there is sufficient support for the measure to get the 83 votes — a two-thirds majority — it would need to pass the House.

If an impeachment bill were to pass, state senators would serve as jurors for a trial.