Enjoy the quicksand: Palin, Jindal, Barbour, Sanford, Perry about to walk right into it

[zulchzulu]

South Carolina's Mark Sanford, Louisiana's Bobby Jindal, Mississippi's Haley Barbour, Alaska's Sarah Palin and Texas' Rick Perry are all apparently aligned to reject the Stimulus Package for their states. Rejecting aid for their infrastructure, ignoring the unemployed and middle fingering thousands of good-paying jobs for their citizens plays second to their political aspirations and ego.

All these states are financially in huge trouble and/or have projected HUGE debts in 2010:

South Carolina:
$871 million

Alaska:
$360 million

Mississippi:
$175 million

Louisiana:
$341 million

Texas:
$3.5 billion

http://www.cbpp.org/9-8-08sfp.htm

It's great that they want to run for President in 2010 and GET THEIR ASS KICKED, but it's tragic that they are willing to not care about their own constituents.

Walk right into the quicksand, assholes.

[grantcart]

1. Maybe instead of the hip hop party they are going to be the hip deep party

[cliffordu]

14. The sheep dip party???

[OnyxCollie]

26. The heap deep party.

[spanone]

2. i will watch as their constituents march on the gov mansions with pitchforks

[Danger Mouse]

3. Do people actually suport this idiocy outside of the wingnuts?

[nxylas]

28. Even (non-wingnutty) Republicans I know in SC loathe Sanford

My oncologist is a moderate Republican, but she describes Sanford as a do-nothing governor and can see the craziness of refusing stimulus money when our state's economy is in the shape it's in. And you should hear how Republican state legislators talk about him.

[stray cat]

4. They are counting on the state government to over ride them

so they look tough but the state will get the money anyway.

[MrModerate]

5. Naaah, They're just gonna blather about not taking it . . .

Pretend they haven't, and then actually grab every frakkin' nickel they can get their hands on. Alaska is one huge welfare state, and the fact that Texas doesn't dare tax the incomes of the rich means they're always close to the edge of financial ruin. And Louisiana is dying, having never recovered from Katrina.

You'll see some posturing, but when the trough is rolled out, these guys will be elbowing each other to get to the front of the line.

[wroberts189]

30. You nailed it. n/t

[quakerboy]

6. I have a Question

So, if they manage to sucessfuly block this funding from their states, do the rest of the states get to divy it up, or is it neutralized?

[zulchzulu]

8. As far as I know, the money is allocated to the states...

The states will probably override the governors anyway, but it certainly will make some interesting political commercials. I know Palin is running for relection and perhaps the others are too... I may find out later.

I have to walk my dog.

[blaze]

7. Is there even a procedural way to "reject" the aid?

Is this anything more than a lot of talk and press?

[LakeSamish706]

9. It's nice to know that Congress can overrule these morans... Geez. n/t

[zeemike]

10. Texas 3.5 billion...oh that is just great

Now we will have more Texans coming over for jobs in New Mexico...

[KingFlorez]

11. It really shows a lack of responsible judgment

These people act like children and want to play games when there is a need to be serious. It's unfortunate that the citizens of some states have Governors who don't give a care about the condition of their states.

[soccermomforobama]

12. Perry sent a letter to Pres. Obama accepting funds

President Barack Obama

The White House

Dear Mr. President:

I'm writing you today in response to stipulations set forth in H.R. 1, the $787 billion stimulus package you signed into law yesterday. As you know, I have been vocal in my opposition to this legislation because I believe there are better ways to reinvigorate our economy and believe H.R. 1 will burden future generations with unprecedented levels of debt.

Throughout the years, Texas taxpayers have sent substantially more dollars to Washington than we receive on issues ranging from transportation to border security and hurricane relief. As I have during the debate on H.R. 1, should Congress pass stimulus legislation using Texas tax dollars, I would work to ensure our citizens receive their fair share.

On behalf of the people of Texas, please allow this letter to certify that we will accept the funds in H.R. 1 and use them to promote economic growth and create jobs in a fiscally responsible manner that is in the best interest of Texas taxpayers. I remain opposed to using these funds to expand existing government programs, burdening the state with ongoing expenditures long after the funding has dried up.

I continue to believe the best way to stimulate the economy is the approach we are taking here in Texas. As a result of low taxes, controlled government spending and a predictable regulatory climate, nearly 80 percent of all jobs created in the United States were created in Texas; the vast majority of these were private sector jobs. Just last week, Texas was ranked the top exporting state in the nation for the seventh year in a row.

It was a pleasure meeting you in Philadelphia, and I appreciate your concern for the Texans displaced by Hurricane Ike. While we differ on solutions to the ongoing economic crisis facing our country, I believe we both share a desire to see our great nation endure as a beacon of freedom and economic vitality to the world.

Sincerely,

Rick Perry

Governor

http://www.connectamarillo.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=262497

[zulchzulu]

16. Perry is walking back on his original "sadness" about the Stim

http://www.burntorangereport.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=8083

[soccermomforobama]

13. Gov. Sanford said this morning he would accept funds also

"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 long look at whether or not this really makes sense for our state.'"

Still, Sanford said he would accept the funds.

"Being against it doesn't preclude taking the money."

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/19/politics/main4812194.shtml

[Thrill]

15. Its amazing they actually think refusing money helps them against Obama

It may play to their conservative base. But that base is no longer enough to win anything but the South

[Kdillard]

17. Each and every one of them will be taking that money count on it.

They may pretned to be forced to do it butthey will spend it.

[wroberts189]

29. YEP ...liars ..just a big charade.

[Cha]

18. Good, we can use the money

on other important things if these Govs won't accept it, although, I do wish they would to help the people who need it instead of creepy politics.

[Ilsa]

19. I double dog dare Guvna Goodhair to pass on it.

Kay Bailey Hutchison will kick his ass in the next Tx GOP primary for gov. Yeah, she isn't much better, but Perry is a Bush toady.

[Jennicut]

20. Sanford is already backtracking and saying he will now take the money.

Losers.

[ecstatic]

21. So glad Perdue isn't on that list

Georgia really needs the money... especially after Perdue's miserable incompetence.

[Number23]

24. I'm sure old Saxby tried to talk him out of it.

I didn't know you were in Atlanta! :hi:

[ecstatic]

36. oh yes... didn't know you were

I thought you were in another country!

[Number23]

44. I am but I was born and raised in the SWATS!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=258x5068

:hi:

[OwnedByFerrets]

22. ITs all smoke and mirrors. They (the states) will get the money....

and those assholes will be able to dupe their idiot supporters into thinking that they are "doing the right thing".

[hay rick]

23. Reverse bridge to nowhere.

They're against it before they are for it.

[Joe the Liberal]

25. I'm glad my Governor is'nt a republikkkan..............

here in CO.

[Hepburn]

27. So let other states take their shares?

I cannot believe that anyone is dumb as these GOP idiots!

Jeeeeeeeeeeeeez, people are on the streets and hungry and these GOP assholes do this????

Unreal....

[Kashka-Kat]

31. hate to sound callous, but the constituents who vote for these idiots & buy

into the RW propaganda have some explainin to do too.... any truth to "we get the govt we deserve"?

[Hippo_Tron]

32. Cut us a bit of slack in Louisiana, Jindal wasns't seriously contested

The "Democrat" was a guy named Walter Boasso who was a Republican until he knew he couldn't win the GOP primary against Jindal so he became a Democrat. The Louisiana Democratic Party conceded that election the minute John Breaux decided not to run.

[GOTV]

33. It's safe for them to do ...

... because state legislatures can accept the money without the governor's approval.

So, the governor can make his principled stand, and his state will get the money anyway.

[rufus dog]

34. Texas is the only one on the list that doesn't get a huge return on Fed tax $

Perhaps the gov't should make it a bit more equal, then CA can immediately get a couple of billion.

[Blue_Roses]

35. all southern governors, but Palin...

Haley Barbour is the most idiotic, racist out of them all. I'm not surprised these five are bitching...:eyes:

[LynnTheDem]

37. As long as the people of each state are FULLY INFORMED about their

governors refusing to help them and the economy!

Let's see what their people then have to say about their governors. :) :) :)

[Blue_In_AK]

38. This isn't a popular decision by the guv here in Alaska

Here's an editorial from this morning's Anchorage Daily News:

http://www.adn.com/opinion/view/story/696294.html

Gov. Sarah Palin appears to be focusing on the negative in the just-passed federal stimulus law, and that could hurt Alaskans suffering from the effects of the national recession. Rather than embrace the economic benefits that the $787 billion package is expected to bring, Palin embraced wholesale the congressional Republicans' criticism of the law.

The stimulus money is aimed at helping states, local governments and school districts retain jobs, and to create jobs in the private sector.

Palin said in a press release that she's concerned about "integrating" federal stimulus money in the state operating budget -- and increasing programs that might have to be cut when the federal spending boost ends.

It sounds as if she's hyping a hypothetical problem to burnish her conservative national credentials. She governs a state where one-third of the entire economy depends on federal spending. This year's state budget is already bolstered with $2.6 billion of federal money. Tough talk about spurning federal aid is just that -- talk.

The federal stimulus contains $150 billion over the next two and a half years to give state governments a cushion against drastic cuts. If the states slash spending, real people get hurt and the economy sinks further.

For example, the feds are offering to pay $87 billion more nationally for Medicaid, the government health insurance for the poor, right at a time when more people are losing their jobs and will need help.

Yes, the funding will drop after 2010, but so what? The insurance program, which is administered by states, will be there now, when Alaskans most need it.

Alaska's governments are already in trouble. Due to plunging oil revenues, Palin this week announced a $445.5 million reduction from her earlier state budget proposal (and she'll use federal Medicaid stimulus money to help backfill the cuts). In Anchorage, the stock market crisis late last year pushed city government into the red. The Anchorage School District is looking to trim some programs.

The stimulus funding will help Alaskans get through tough times. It boosts unemployment benefits by $25 per week just through this year. It increases child support enforcement funding to prevent cutbacks and help families get the money they need to survive for the next couple of years. It adds to education money available to states and school districts, with a focus on poor, disabled or disadvantaged students.

These increases come in addition to a pile of money set aside in the stimulus law for building and repairing roads and other public facilities, which will provide jobs in private business.

So why is Gov. Palin such a reluctant recipient?

Republican governors who are not angling to run for president in 2012 are happy to get the money for their states. It makes you wonder if her national political ambitions are leading her one way, when what's best for Alaska leads another.

Instead of casting such a wary eye on the federal help, Gov. Palin would serve the state better by figuring out how to make the federal stimulus funds deliver the maximum possible benefit for Alaskans.


BOTTOM LINE: Gov. Palin shouldn't take a partisan approach to using federal stimulus funding.

[zulchzulu]

40. Palin seriously doesn't have a clue how her own state runs...

Her sputtering that "integrating" federal stimulus money in the state operating budget where a third of the state money is from federal coffers is an absolute JOKE.

She's part of the "Be Dumb Like Me" crowd. No thanks...

[Blue_In_AK]

42. What's very sad

is that there appear to be a lot of commenters who agree with her. The irony is that the Republicans here were all apoplectic about Ted Stevens not being our senator anymore because he could always bring home the federal dollars. I guess Republican federal dollars are so much more acceptable than Democratic federal dollars. Idiots.

[Blue_In_AK]

43. Dupe - twitchy fingers

[K Gardner]

39. I only had time to read one post today.. glad this one was it ! K&R.

[ddeclue]

41. Kind of gives new meaning to the term "red state" doesn't it?

:rofl:

[ShadowLiberal]

45. What's really ironic is their states will still pay for it in taxes anyway in the long run

What's really stupid about rejecting the stimulus money is in the long run when taxes go up to pay for it (as they claim will happen) their state will owe just as much in taxes to pay for the stimulus as they would have if they accepted it all.

That means that their state gets to suffer even more from the recession, AND pay for the stimulus that they didn't receive because their governor wanted to run for president. What a great system, isn't it?

[Arugula Latte]

46. I feel badly for the Democrats in those states, but I hope the Repukes suffer horribly.

They put these people in power; they can reap what they've sown.

Red state Democrats ... I'm sorry. :(