Former SC Gov. Sanford engaged

Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) is engaged to his Argentine girlfriend — the same woman who made news three years ago when it was revealed that Sanford visited her in the South American country while he was in office.

In 2009, it was discovered that Sanford visited Maria Belen Chapur in Argentina, having told his staff he was hiking on the Appalachian Trail. The South Carolina Legislature subsequently censured Sanford after learning that state funds were used in some of his travel to that country.

Sanford confirmed the engagement to CNN in a statement. The news was first reported by an Argentine publication. Sanford and his former wife divorced in 2010.

"Yes, we are engaged, and I’m both happy and excited for what that means,” Sanford said in the statement to CNN. “I have long expressed my feelings for her; she’s a wonderful person. My closest friends have met and love her, and I look forward to introducing her to still many more that have yet to do so."

Sanford refused to resign his governor's post when the affair was revealed, but did give up his post as head of the Republican Governors Association. He finished his term in 2010, did not seek reelection and was replaced by current Gov. Nikki Haley (R).