South Carolina Lt. Governor Andre Bauer, who stands to inherit the state’s top job if embattled Gov. Mark Sanford resigns, says accusations that he is secretly gay are “improper” and “silly.”  Bauer told WCBD Charleston:

“I don’t think it’s a proper question. I think it’s a little bit ridiculous and it’s sad that politics has gotten to that. But if somebody had a question I don’t have a problem with going ahead and airing it and getting it out of the way because I don’t want that to linger, much like this other problem is lingering.”

A prominent state senator recently claimed the rumors about Bauer’s sexual orientation are coming from Gov. Sanford’s camp, but activist and blogger Mike Rogers, who claimes a 100% accuracy record in his reporting on closeted, anti-gay politicians, recently said he is sure Bauer is gay, according to a report on Towleroad.

A Columbia, S.C. news station, WIS10, reported Bauer steadfastly denied the rumors last week and challenged accusers to come forward with proof:

The Lt. Governor defended himself Friday while in Conway.

“They don’t want to hear gossip and rumors that have absolutely zero fact,” said Bauer. “If you’ve got some facts to back it up, step up. If you don’t, let’s talk about issues because it’s absolutely deplorable, the level that these folks have gone.”

Bauer is a bachelor, and this isn’t the first time he has found himself defending his sexuality.

One Republican strategist said some in the Republican party believe Bauer has a good chance to become governor, and decided to throw a hand grenade to stop him now.

(Via Towleroad.)