Any governor who turns down stimulus money for his state is most likely committing political suicide

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.examiner.com/x-1172-Birmingham-Progressive-Politics-Examiner~y2009m2d20-Will-GOP-governors-really-turn-down-stimulus-money

Will GOP governors really turn down stimulus money?

February 20, 6:08 PM

It's been reported that Republican governors from Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alaska, South Carolina and Idaho have considered turning down federal dollars to their states.

I am glad to see that my Republican Governor, Bob Riley of Alabama isn't on that list. I would be livid if he were. I am glad to say that Riley has already made plans for the money to go into the state budget. Alabama is desperate for money and luckily our governor isn't a fool. Governor Riley isn't alone. Florida's governor, Charlie Crist along with Georgia's Governor Sonny Perdue are eager to see federal dollars come to their economically ravaged states.

It seems clear that the GOP governors who are talking about turning down the stimulus money are not merely 'playing' politics, but are gambling politics. In the first place, should they decide to turn down the money, state legislators can and most likely will override any ridiculous ideological gesture on the part of the state's governor. Secondly, they are gambling that their ideology is more important to their constituents than federal help is.

Since the November election, the Republican party has struggled to define itself. Some in the party see that the party needs new direction but they are overruled by a party that is quickly becoming known for its propensity to be obstructionist. It's failed policies of the past decade were apparent in the November 4th election. But it appears that they are in the minority and the Republicans are quickly becoming known as the party of "No" and "Do Nothing."

Any governor who turns down stimulus money for his state is most likely committing political suicide...

[bikewrench]

1. Failed policies?

When you say "...failed policies of the past
decade..." are you referring to the policies that
Democrats in Congress voted on and passed?  To blame a crisis
of this proportion on one party alone is naive at best.  I
agree that it would be political suicide to turn down the
money when all citizens are on the hook to pay for this
"stimulus".

[Brazenly Liberal]

6. Welcome to DU, bikewrench!

I saw your other post, too and you sure do look hungry. Would you mind listening for the doorbell? I suspect there will be a delivery for you soon.



Mmmmmmmm! Breakfast pizza!

[RJ Connors]

2. Then by all means, let's encourage them in every way we can. n/t

[izzie]

3. But you can be sure the CEO's in his state will take it.

Greed is so nice.

[izzie]

4. we need a smily for greed

--

[madokie]

5. No doubt about that,