Ladywriter 7,783 Report post Posted February 20, 2009 Opponents say move puts conservative ideology ahead of constituents BATON ROUGE, La. - A handful of Republican governors are considering turning down some money from the federal stimulus package, a move opponents say puts conservative ideology ahead of the needs of constituents struggling with record foreclosures and soaring unemployment.Though none has outright rejected the money available for education, health care and infrastructure, the governors of Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alaska, South Carolina and Idaho have all questioned whether the $787 billion bill signed into law this week will even help the economy. "My concern is there's going to be commitments attached to it that are a mile long," said Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who considered rejecting some of the money but decided Wednesday to accept it. "We need the freedom to pick and choose. And we need the freedom to say 'No thanks.'" Possible motive: 2012 elections U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., the No. 3 House Democrat, said the governors — some of whom are said to be eyeing White House bids in 2012 — are putting their own interests first. "No community or constituent should be denied recovery assistance due to their governor's political ideology or political aspirations," Clyburn said Wednesday. can your state afford to say no because of your gov's political ambitions Look at the flowers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
