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DEL.ICIO.USSanford on the stimulus: ‘Being against it doesn’t preclude taking the money’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
South Carolina’s Mark Sanford, chairman of the Republican Governors Association, is still bashing President Barack Obama’s stimulus package.
But now he’s saying he might accept at least some of the funds.
Sanford was on CBS’ “The Early Show” this morning:
“I think the problem that was created with too much debt will never be solved by adding yet more debt,” he said. “I think there are a number of wrinkles that have caused a number of us to say ‘Wait a minute, let’s take a look — a long look — at whether or not this really makes sense for our state.’”
That said…..
“Being against it doesn’t preclude taking the money,” Sanford explained. “So again, we’re going to look at it, but what you find when you actually begin to look under the hood is that some of those strings attached means you’ve got to go spend a lot more money that you don’t have to be able to eligible for the funds.”
Sanford was slightly more oblique about whether or not his state would accept the cash in a CNN interview 10 days or so ago, when he warned that we’re headed for a “savior-based” economy.
At a breakfast meeting in Atlanta attended by my AJC colleague Aaron Sheinin, U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.), one of the architects of the stimulus package, said the language of the 1,000-page legislation was written to ensure that Republican governors of states — particularly in the South — didn’t hijack the funds for other purposes, or simply block the funds.
Title 1 funds, for instance, go toward K-12 programs.
“You won’t believe the fight we had with the other side of the aisle on how the funds will be distributed,” Bishop said. “Title 1, that was suggested as the guideline as the criteria for targeting many of the resources in the stimulus package so we wouldn’t have to trust state governments and governors to distribute those funds — make sure we had formulas in place that would ensure the funds got places where they are needed most.”
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Comments
By lovelyliz
February 19, 2009 1:57 PM | Link to this
No, it just makes one somewhat hypocritical.
By Daedalus
February 19, 2009 1:58 PM | Link to this
I was for it before I was against it.
No, wait. I was against it before I was for it.
That’s better.
As a true Republican Gov. Sanford has to oppose anything Obama says or does. Party-line. The Era of Newt lives. Long live partisanship.
Also as a Republican Governor, Sanford has a problem. He’s against taxes for things like roads, sewers, public health projects, etc. But his constituency wants those things.
So the answer is to oppose the stimulus bill by day, but take the money by night. As dumb as the voters are in SC (or GA) that strategy will work quite well.
By Henry McKee
February 19, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this
Every GOP speake I have heard repeats the same mantra from the Reagan era, “Cut taxes and cut programs”. However they supported the Iraq wa being fought on a credit card and the Wall Street bailout. It was their party that led to the curent economic debacle we have. Tell them to speak up when they have somethng constructive to say. The Swampfox
By Henry McKee
February 19, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this
Every GOP speake I have heard repeats the same mantra from the Reagan era, “Cut taxes and cut programs”. However they supported the Iraq wa being fought on a credit card and the Wall Street bailout. It was their party that led to the curent economic debacle we have. Tell them to speak up when they have somethng constructive to say. The Swampfox
By WER
February 19, 2009 2:10 PM | Link to this
Sanford Bishop, “one of the architects of the stimulus package”….GOD help us!!
By DPB
February 19, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this
I think it rather stupid to attack GOP Govs. for opposing the so-called stimulus bill and then taking the money in it. The money is going to be spent. Every Gov. in the country could refuse it and it will still be spent. no matter what the taxpayers of SC will have to pay for it. So, they may as well benefit from it.
By Sir Winston
February 19, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this
Sanford helped write the Stimulus Bill, my eye! If you know Sanford, you know the he isn’t capable of the work. All Sanford is good for is taking marching orders from the democrat leadership in the house. That is all. Peace.
By Timus, Powder Springs, GA
February 19, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this
More hypocrisy from the Republicans! Is a trillion in Iraq better than a trillion in the US to help Americans?
By GA VALUES
February 19, 2009 2:59 PM | Link to this
Now is Gov. Sanford’s chance to take a principled stand and cut the programs that his state tax revenues will not support.
By CJ
February 19, 2009 3:12 PM | Link to this
I hope he declines SC’s share and Georgia can take it! Ha ha!
By ghost of strom
February 19, 2009 3:57 PM | Link to this
Goooood morning/ Nows the time for the DNA test. I.m betting he’s part wood pile.A big part. I’ve never stopped in s.c. and now i realize why. Remember his hero, Ronnie, the working man’s friend, who’s bumper sticker said “Stop Busing”. What i remember the most about Ronnie R. is that in 1986 he took away our deduction of interest on all consumer loans,(credit cards, car loans,90 day bank loans, and etc.)and gave us the equity loan which made your home a piggy bank and started the bankruptcy of America and then changed the bankruptcy laws in favor of the credit card co’s. While renecks like sanford were worrying about mexicans and blacks, the Indians took over the hospitals and gas stations. Don’t forget, God could be a woman and the bible really is a novel.
By Scott
February 19, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this
Look at all the billions going to Healthcare, Education, and Protecting the Vulnerable, as they call it. Why don’t they just come out and say it…SOCIALISM. What a slap in the face for those who actually work for a living and pay taxes.
By JD
February 19, 2009 5:11 PM | Link to this
Well, since we do not have a planned economy and the state does not own the means of production…no, this is not socialism.
This is a fix for a country destroyed by hyper capitalism.
For further reading on the topic brought up by Galloway read this article by Begala:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/16/begala.carolina/index.html
By ERVIN
February 19, 2009 6:27 PM | Link to this
where was all great ways to fix things when those repubs were in office no where to be heard off now somselse has a plan the wingnuts dont like it go skrew yourself wingnuts
By Ken
February 19, 2009 10:03 PM | Link to this
How come a fiscally responsible government in South Carolina will have to pay taxes to fix economies of California?
If you notice our infrastructure is reasonably sound, our roads are impressive (check out the new bridge in Charleston), and we don’t have water situations like I experienced while living in Atlanta over the summer.
Someone else posted:
“So the answer is to oppose the stimulus bill by day, but take the money by night. As dumb as the voters are in SC (or GA) that strategy will work quite well.”
I will not begin to break down how unintelligent of a comment that is. Imposing taxes and not allowing governors to make sound decisions for their own state (nonetheless based on who and what their constituents voted for) is what we once referred to as “TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION.” Pick up a history book and see that radical changes such as those start wars.
Look for Gov. Sanford to be the man to pull us out of the mess because he is intelligent enough to balance a budget.
By aw
February 19, 2009 10:51 PM | Link to this
hate it for you ken, but sc pays $1 in federal taxes for every $1.35 in federal aid it recieves. look it up. it’s pretty easy to be fiscally responsible when all other states float you a loan every april 9th.
By think4urself
February 19, 2009 11:12 PM | Link to this
Let’s hope all these people posting and crying “socialism” never lay claim to unemployment benefits…or medicare….or healthcare help when they are without jobs and stand to lose their homes. Stop being led like sheep to the slaughter and think for yourselves. Do any of you think for a minute the Rush Limbaugh’s of the world with his ridiculous salary and these other wealthy politicians truly care about the people? Hey, maybe some of the special interest money can be donated to those of us who are struggling to pay our bills. Where were these “principled” Republicans when they gave Bush a blank card to fund the war in Iraq that was based on a lie and driven by neo-cons who had been trying for decades to get a President in office foolish enough to invade and start a war that is never ending. Instead of blaming President Obama, try blaming those before him who took us down this path. At least he is trying to fix things. All the Republicans are showing is that they still do not get it. Your base does not represent the country as a whole. Youthful faces do not change an outdated culture! The southern mentality is just that. Southern…and outdated!! Wake up people!
By DJ
February 20, 2009 12:37 AM | Link to this
Everyone always wants to criticize and say SOCIALISM. Stop crying. This is where CAPITALISM got us. There’s no perfect system, otherwise all countries would operate the same. Strangely enough, all of the CAPITALIST societies are failing. Hmmmmm…. Also, at least the money is being spent and can some how be recouped from taxes. What will we get out of spending the money on the Iraq war? Someone may say FREEDOM. Yeah, but Iraq wasn’t really the threat. I love it because REPUBLICANS hate it.
By Will Jones
February 20, 2009 4:21 AM | Link to this
Capitalism didn’t get us here, Fascism did.
Whig Utopian/Adam Smith Capitalism is the answer by America’s Founders’ “Light.” The Creed covers it bringing Grace for all. Obama is a start but the rule of Anti-Christ got us where we are…the same faction financed Hitler, killed Kennedy and King, committed 9.11, and has debased our currency and stolen our wealth.
Read Jefferson and Paine…there is nothing new under the sun.
Death for Treason
Jeffersonian Exegesis
By catlady
February 20, 2009 6:21 AM | Link to this
Ah, another Gingrey wannabe.
By Gop Lost in space
February 20, 2009 6:51 AM | Link to this
The confederated Taliban GOP They were in power for eight years , over a trillion dollars in tax cut, a war that coat a billion dollars a month no bib contract for there buddies. Look at any and every thing they touch turn to $hit! If you want a party that is not for worker, People in georgia the workers make less than 35k if you gave then a 100% tax cut mean nothing with a job. They are so out of touch thats why they will only be in [power in some parts of the south. They had there turn and it did not work look at the USA now!! (W) and the southern GOP right wing nuts ran congress they had the power to help. They are bone headed not for the people only the party to make a point. They will lose more in 2010 and 2012. If the GOP as it stands today if they don’t change they will only rule in parts of the south.
By John G. Lang
February 20, 2009 8:24 AM | Link to this
As a citizen of New New Jersey I can tell you that I have gotten used to the attitude of these southern states and their republican govenors. South Carolinians receive $1.35 federal dollars for every $1 they contribute. While us liberal folk in NJ get 61 cetns back. Of course, this means I am paying for Gov. Sanfords public works projects that he does not want his own citizens to be on the hook for. Moreover, this explains why he does not want to accept more federal money. There are strings attached. He receives so much “no strings attached” money it only makes sense that he would be opposed to the stimulus package. Then sprinkle on this his own presidential political desires (he will run in 2012) and you have a cynical, if not disgusting, governor.
By JGL
February 20, 2009 8:25 AM | Link to this
As a citizen of New New Jersey I can tell you that I have gotten used to the attitude of these southern states and their republican govenors. South Carolinians receive $1.35 federal dollars for every $1 they contribute. While us liberal folk in NJ get 61 cetns back. Of course, this means I am paying for Gov. Sanfords public works projects that he does not want his own citizens to be on the hook for. Moreover, this explains why he does not want to accept more federal money. There are strings attached. He receives so much “no strings attached” money it only makes sense that he would be opposed to the stimulus package. Then sprinkle on this his own presidential political desires (he will run in 2012) and you have a cynical, if not disgusting, governor.
By JGL
February 20, 2009 8:26 AM | Link to this
As a citizen of New Jersey I can tell you that I have gotten used to the attitude of these southern states and their republican govenors. South Carolinians receive $1.35 federal dollars for every $1 they contribute. While us liberal folk in NJ get 61 cetns back. Of course, this means I am paying for Gov. Sanfords public works projects that he does not want his own citizens to be on the hook for. Moreover, this explains why he does not want to accept more federal money. There are strings attached. He receives so much “no strings attached” money it only makes sense that he would be opposed to the stimulus package. Then sprinkle on this his own presidential political desires (he will run in 2012) and you have a cynical, if not disgusting, governor.
By GA VALUES
February 20, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this
Georgia is also a welfare state, gobbling up more federal dollars than it contributes. This allows grandstanding politicians to talk out of one side of their mouth, while sucking up to the trough with the other side.
By BG in sc
February 21, 2009 11:31 AM | Link to this
John you LIVE in NJ and you GET it! Have you ever lived here in SC. I was born , raised. left for 13 yrs. of military and returned by chance not choice. It is so sad to be upsidedown in attractiveness on issues. MAYBE EDUCATION has something to do with it? looking for a good sale on luggage for the family. DKnow of any?
By BG in sc
February 21, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this
John you LIVE in NJ and you GET it! Have you ever lived here in SC. I was born , raised. left for 13 yrs. of military and returned by chance not choice. It is so sad to be upsidedown in attractiveness on issues. MAYBE EDUCATION has something to do with it? looking for a good sale on luggage for the family. DKnow of any?