Mark Sanford to give lunch speech at event where he launched gubernatorial run

Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) will give the headline speech at the luncheon club where he announced his gubernatorial run on Feb. 4, leading to speculation that he might use the appearance to announce a run for Congress.

Sanford has said he's interested in returning to public life and according to reports is likely to run for a Charleston-based House seat left open when Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) was appointed to the Senate.

The former governor was a rising GOP star, but suffered a fall from grace in 2009 after he admitted to an extramarital affair with the woman who he is now engaged to. A House race could offer him a chance for political redemption.

But the Feb. 4 date may be a bit late to launch a congressional campaign — the House primary election will be held on March 19, and the sooner candidates enter the race the longer they'll have to fundraise and build a campaign team. Sanford has a little more than $100,000 left over from an old campaign account he could use for the race.