December 2, 2008
Posted: 09:17 AM ET

From
Republicans will present Obama with economic policy principles.
Republicans will present Obama with economic policy principles.

(CNN) –- Republican governors are set to present President-elect Barack Obama with a list of key policy areas that they feel are vital to helping their states recover from the recent economic downturn at the annual National Governors Association meeting Tuesday.

"Today’s meeting represents an opportunity to come together and forge solutions to the current economic crisis,” said RGA Chairman Governor Mark Sanford. “It is important these solutions be based on the same common sense principles that have made America the economic envy of the world for generations.”

"We are committed as members of the RGA to working with the incoming Administration to make America more competitive in the global marketplace, and we believe the best route to strengthening America’s economy lies in focusing on things like lowering the tax burden on Americans, holding the line on spending, and bettering our business climate,” Sanford says.

The annual meeting takes place Tuesday at 10 a.m. ET in Philadelphia.

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Filed under: Barack Obama • Mark Sanford • Republicans


Proud American   December 2nd, 2008 3:10 pm ET

Take it easy Blogger empty vessel, take a deep breath. No matter how you slice it Palin is and will continue to be a bad joke.

Iroko Nija   December 2nd, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Did Sarah Palin wear her Italian designer outfit and Lipstick to the pally? She is been praising Obama of late, hope she is not hoping to be nominated secretary of Lipstick in the WARDROBES

b Stanley   December 2nd, 2008 2:11 pm ET

Obama and the Democrats should never help a Reublican govenor. Obama should let them eat cake. All the Reublicans, will do if Obama helps them is brag how moral and good they are and try and tell the people in their state that they turned the economy around. Let the Republican states go to hell as far as I am concerned.

LM75   December 2nd, 2008 2:02 pm ET

yeah, their ideas are what got us here where we are now. May they keep their mouths shut.

Proud to be American   December 2nd, 2008 2:02 pm ET

GOP he is your President too… he is the President of the United States of America …. So I am sure he will listen to your issues and then make an intelligent decision ….. wow intelligent and President in one sentence…. haven't been able to do that in at least 71/2 years ….

Sharon Kitchen   December 2nd, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Obama/Biden….onward.

No Hillary = No Obama   December 2nd, 2008 1:32 pm ET

I think Obama really does believe he's a celebrity – wake up call – I don't think FDR or Lincoln thought of themselves as celebrities – first and foremost, I think they thought of themselves as public servants. I wonder if Obama thinks of himself that way?????

Dadedi   December 2nd, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Bye bye Republicans. See you in 2046.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   December 2nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Obama is looking at responsibility and accountability and these governors need to be aware. Obama is a very smart man.

dave   December 2nd, 2008 1:22 pm ET

"we believe the best route to strengthening America’s economy lies in focusing on things like lowering the tax burden on Americans, holding the line on spending, and bettering our business climate"

Does he believe in the tooth fairy as well? He wants to lower taxes, hold the line on (not cut) spending, AND better the business climate? How is that last part going to kick in, with fairy dust?

I truly wish that every Republican could experience the joy of living in a state with no taxes. It's called anarchy, and it's not nearly as cool as you think it is.

sick n tired   December 2nd, 2008 1:15 pm ET

Well lets hope they all do something for the COMMON GOOD! But i wouldnt hold my breath!

JD   December 2nd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Oh, Great Obama, spread your magic pixie dust and save us from ourselves! (Or, just buy a slew of new government printing presses and print up some more money…whichever works best).

annoymous   December 2nd, 2008 1:12 pm ET

I am a SC democrat & I do not support Gov Sanford but I can tell you this he is one of the most physical conservative politicans that you will ever hear about…what he speaks is generally what he believes….when he was our U.S. Congressman representing SC he slept in his DC office rather that get an apartment…if I remember correctly he did not extend his campaign promise of his set term limits as a US Congressman….he has no problem with getting out on the stump against his own GOP party here in SC when he does not agree with their legislation….personally I do not feel that he relates to individual needs it is all business to him & he will not suffer financially with his own personal wealth so he can be extremely conservative with others….

ConsiderThis, FL   December 2nd, 2008 1:03 pm ET

All the Rethuglicans want is all of America's money for themselves and their cronies (read about the privatization of government under Bush) and the rest of America to protect their precious way of privileged lives with other's shed blood, hardship and sacrifice. Tell me, what sacrifice have you seen from Bush and his club of theives? If we haven't learned anything else over the past 8 years, we should have learned that an incompetent president leads only to disaster! So stop encouraging Palin to run! She is and always will be incompetent! It's a brain thing.

silver bells   December 2nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

obama- biden americas dream team, bless both of our new leaders.

Chris   December 2nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

I thought the Republicans believed he was a Muslim Terrorist. I say don't give them crap Mr. President.

Ghost   December 2nd, 2008 12:53 pm ET

I always wonder what they mean by curbing spending. I mean, the biggest drain on our country has gotta be these military operations. Are they gonna pull the troops out? Doubtful that's what they are pushing for. It's really easy to scream cut taxes and curb spending, but where do you start?

Obama's idea of going thru the budget line by line is a good start. Force some fiscal responsibility in Washinton. And how bout and end to increasing Congressional pay every other year? Maybe even cut their health care.

Left Coast Mike, Laguna Niguel, CA   December 2nd, 2008 12:51 pm ET

These zeroes are not in a position to press for anything, especially their new messiah, Moose Murderer Palin. The only one that has any integrity at all is Arnold and without California's econimic engine, this nation is a collection of South Carolina's, i.e., not much.

TIM   December 2nd, 2008 12:51 pm ET

"Earth to GOP governors– Your side lost. Get over it, get out of the way, and let the adults run the country now."

yeah, ALL HAIL KING Obama!!!

Sonja, NY   December 2nd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

He's a good listener, but they have to have good ideas. Barack is not stupid.

Vic of New York   December 2nd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Hey, I thought the Republican gorvernors were for "free trade" – they don't need any govenment handouts!

Ken in NC   December 2nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

I can see Gov. Sarah Palin standing with other Governors as VP Elect Biden walked in with President Elect Obama and dreaming to herself that she and her kids could have been the ones walking in there if only she had not spewed so much hate and evil.

freespeech101   December 2nd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

our president is going to be the coolest!! he knows exactly what he is doing…what a welcome "change" from the current bafoonery. i understand that a lot of people are still bitter, for whatever reason, but whatever side of the fence you are on, you have to admit, things are gonna be looking up.

Ken   December 2nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

If the GOP govenors want to "press" on someone, let them press on the current idiot-in-charge and their other fellow [R]s…you know, the ones who actually gave them the recession that their states are now enjoying. Morons.

Latina for Obama   December 2nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

To Matt

that was funny,and so true!!

Latina for Obama   December 2nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

We are so lucky to have him as our President elect…he is awesome.
He has done more in a week that bush in 8 yeras.

Lynn   December 2nd, 2008 12:20 pm ET

The Governors are just excited to have a President who will actually listen to them. Refreshing change after being brushed off for 8 years. This is what a competent president looks like, folks. Obama is on his way to being the best president in history. Just wait. People will slowly start coming out of their Bush brain-washing and the neocons will become few and far between.

Seattle Sue   December 2nd, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Where were these Republican governors when GEORGE W. BUSH was spending us into record financial ruin? it is truly amazing how two faced these governors are. Remember Arnold campaiging for governor of California, promising to take care of the budget, now he wants a bailout from the feds.

empty vessel   December 2nd, 2008 12:10 pm ET

Hey Matt,

Empty Vessel wardrobe – $250,000

Speeches to nowhere without a teleprompter – ????? (google Obama – asthma – teleprompter – gaffe)

Executive experience that Palin has compared to Obambi's – MUCH more.

Actually standing up to ones party, Palin MANY, Obambi NEVER

Actual accomplishments while in Government – Palin MANY, Obambi NEVER

Accomplishing much without the aid of the media, Palin always, Obambi NEVER, EVER as he is an empty suit.

Oh to be a fly on the wall when the world leaders are trying to get Obama to give uh, uh, uh, uh, well, uh, uh, uh a straight answer, no buddy it is not priceless, but SCARY.

rm   December 2nd, 2008 12:09 pm ET

@Mick:

I was thinking the exact same thing!!!! They held these questions for 8 years?

RJ, Phoenix   December 2nd, 2008 12:03 pm ET

"I know Arnold better be kissing some SERIOUS butt for mouthing off during that McCain rally in Ohio.

It's punishment time."

What's Obama gonna do? Spank him?
Grow up.

The POTUS has no authority to "punish" anyone for speaking their mind.
There's this piece of paper called the Constitution, try reading it sometime.

paul (staunch Moderate)   December 2nd, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Stimulus Package to the states for "ready-now" infrastructure projects would create jobs. It would also give those workers money to spend. That means Income Taxes going to the states (who have it) and feds, sales taxes going to the states.

Yes, the debt we have already incurred will take decades to pay off and adding to it will take longer still – but consider the alternative: Continuing to flounder around, putting more people out of work which means more people drawing unemployment, more people on Medicaid, more people defaulting on more mortgages, more people declaring bankruptcy, more people eventually onto the welfare rolls.

And guess who pays for all THAT? You, the taxpayer….

Somehow I don't think that is what anyone wants.

Concerned in Atlanta   December 2nd, 2008 12:00 pm ET

revenge is sweet, but judging from obama's record he wont go after revenge. he is more of a concensus builder. I am in favor of political arm twisting if the GOP governors need help.

NY republican   December 2nd, 2008 11:55 am ET

Why is it that on the "front page" an article quotes Republican governors as saying they don't want the help and risk starting a "bailout mentality" and this one has the same governors "press Obama" for help.
does any one else have a problem with this contradiction or is it just more of the press making Republicans look like fools.

lovable liberal   December 2nd, 2008 11:55 am ET

Lower taxes, less spending, anything business wants (as long as it's a non-union business) – that's the Republican solution, that is, more of the same crony capitalism that got us into this mess.

To get out of this Republican mess, we need a major spending stimulus. Once the economy is humming again, we'll need to raise taxes on the wealthy to pay down the debt.

Tulsa   December 2nd, 2008 11:53 am ET

An interesting thing, Pres-elect Obama went to the Governors and asked to meet with them. This is very different. The Governors have always had to ask the President to meet with them.
This shows the pro-active style that Mr. Obama brings to the office. He knows the Gov's deal with public works on a day to day basis and so asks them for their expertise. Brilliant….. and yes, that is what "change" is.

Frank   December 2nd, 2008 11:49 am ET

With their Party's record on the economy, the Republican governors should shut up, sit down, and enjoy the ride.

After all, history shows that a Democratic tide lifts all boats.

Republicans Trashed US   December 2nd, 2008 11:48 am ET

Only one problem: The republicans have dismantled what made us the economic power house that other countries envy. Their policies and incompetence have ruined us.

So, it is actually good to hear them out. If you want it done right, do it exactly opposite of what they suggest.

David   December 2nd, 2008 11:45 am ET

Why every time the GOP start a conversation about economy it start with lowering taxes not having revenue to pay for things like roads and wars is why we're in trouble . President Bush didn't raise taxes and look what happen billion dollar bailouts. That's why we need a flat tax system to help keep the infrastructure up, our food safe, and fight the war on terror.

Gaylon Barrow   December 2nd, 2008 11:44 am ET

You GOP Governors will have to wait. He's too busy pressing the Democrat Governors Suits right now.

Ian   December 2nd, 2008 11:41 am ET

Where is the money going to come from? Are we just going to print it out of thin air? Won't inflating the money supply just cause higher prices for everyone? I don't see how these bail outs help anyone in the long run.

obama-mama   December 2nd, 2008 11:41 am ET

I can see Palin begging Obama for a job…..Obama should give her a job in Afghanistan for 4 years. No cameras allowed.

A Kickin' Donkey   December 2nd, 2008 11:38 am ET

I know Arnold better be kissing some SERIOUS butt for mouthing off during that McCain rally in Ohio.

It's punishment time.

America demands answers   December 2nd, 2008 11:36 am ET

To: Gov Sanford…."strengthening America’s economy lies in focusing on things like lowering the tax burden on Americans, holding the line on spending, and bettering our business climate,” Sanford says"
Are you serious? I hope you just got elected into office cos you havent held any line on spending with Pres Bush neither do you or any of you care about lowering Taxes on anyone….

Lisa Kudrow   December 2nd, 2008 11:36 am ET

Obama is the man He is the best thing to happen to this country. We have had

Bonnie in Wilmington NC   December 2nd, 2008 11:33 am ET

I hope they don't think their issues are any more important than the other states. Who cares if you are a Republican or Democrat gov. It's all the same. Speak with a united voice and you will get more done with less partisanship. States are states, and we all need the same things: better schools, roads, bridges, healthcare, etc. These are not issues for one group over another. Try thinking out of the box and look for ways to unite, not divide.

Stacy from Loudoun County VA   December 2nd, 2008 11:25 am ET

Obama's going to tell the Governors, "It ain't going to be a Merry Christmas". He will follow it up with "The New Year won't be so happy either". But, he will then end it with the positive message, we are going to get through this, with hard work, staying on task, through cutting cost…"Yes We Can". Maybe by next Christmas, it will be a bit more holly and jolly?

Living in a Republican state   December 2nd, 2008 11:21 am ET

Unfortunately, it seems to me as the Governor of South Carolina Mark Sanford doesn't have a clue as to what goes on in his own state, so why ask him about the country?

We, being 9th in the nation in HIV/AIDS cases, the South Carolina government just cut a program called project F.A.I.T.H which was the only AIDS prevention program that we had in the state, yet we need to get back to our values. Not to mention the homeless rates are soaring through roof, which has gotten worse instead of better since he has been the Governor of our state. Did I fail to mention that his mansion sits in between the Salvation Army shelter and the homeless shelter and the park where the homeless stay through out the day until the shelter opens back up at night. Our education levels speak for itself, we're always rank in the bottom. Depending on the district that you live in here in Richland county where the Governor resides determines the quality of an education a child receives, but he wants to get back to basic conservatism.

Oh, did I forget to mention that African-Americans are the majority and not the minority here in SC, but they still fly the Confederate Flag on the state house grounds.

So, please tell me CNN was it worth the time to get this governor's perspective on President – Elect Obama? Come to the great state of South Carolina and check out for yourself. You might see things in a whole new light.

I just pray that the citizens of this great state will take heed to what Virginia and the North Carolina citizen and turn this red state blue in the next elections, We seriously need a change here in South Carolina.

Mickie   December 2nd, 2008 11:18 am ET

Oh really, "our economy is the envy of the world"? What have you been smoking? We have been in debt to China for so long under the republican leadership, so it is not just this recent mess with mortgages and stock market plunging that has ruined this economy; they are the mere culmination of all the spending and deregulation and tax breaks for the rich that people like you have endorsed for the past 8 years. So whether you want to work with the incoming administration or not, it doesn't look like you have much of a choice, sine the states, counties, cities are all going bankrupt too under the republican strategy. Way to go!

chuck   December 2nd, 2008 11:18 am ET

Barack Obama is sending a clear message that he will listen and work with both Democrats and Republicans. This is so refreshing to Americans compared to George W Bush. A NEW DAY HAS DAWNED. A NEW COUNTRY IS BORN. A BAD ECONOMY IS RESTORED. LIFE IS WORTH LIVING. THANK YOU PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA.

Mick   December 2nd, 2008 11:17 am ET

Interesting that these same people didn't seem to be very involved with the present REPUBLICAN president. Or am I missing something?

Palin Fan   December 2nd, 2008 11:06 am ET

Palin for PRESIDENT '12

Matt   December 2nd, 2008 11:06 am ET

Oh, to be a fly on that wall and watch Palin try to interact with Obama…

Designer campaign wardrobe – $150,000

Bridge to Nowhere – $400M+

Look on Obama's face trying not to laugh in Palin's – PRICELESS.

Mari   December 2nd, 2008 11:03 am ET

That's fine, the GOP governors can press all they want. The bottom line is with Obama. He will be a brilliant president, I suspect he will not fall prey to special interest nor…… bullying from the far-right!

HOPE….WON!

Mary   December 2nd, 2008 11:02 am ET

These governors (Republicans) should have given there list to Bush. Why do they feel that Obama can take care of all the problems that they have created? They issued Bush blank checks for years and now that the economy is in a mess they want to curve spending after Mr. Bush has made a lot of them filthy rich. There is no doubt in my mind and neither should be in the American people that he word"conservative" should not be used by the Republican party. Every time they have ruled bad things happen with our money. Nixon, Watergate, Reagan/ Bush, Savings and loan bailout, Bush, Enron, Housing, health, finances, economy, wars and poverty has gotten worse. Mr. Bush should be trying to find a way to get us out of this situation because the last I checked he is still the president of this country, is he not?

Ray Fisher   December 2nd, 2008 10:56 am ET

Obama should start a "Take Stock In America" savngs bond campaign or even municipal bond campaign to rebuild our infrastructure and national treasury. America must face facts that our nation is in serious danger and if our treasury fails so do we all!!!

Jim   December 2nd, 2008 10:53 am ET

Earth to GOP governors– Your side lost. Get over it, get out of the way, and let the adults run the country now.

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