CNN

With one of the worst unemployment rates in the country the good Governor places political showboating ahead of the needs of the citizens of South Carolina. But take heart good citizens, even an unemployed or bankrupt person has the right to vote. When the opportunity presents itself put Mr. Sanford in the unemployment line.

This man should be stripped of his office.........to not help the less fortunate in his states is disgraceful.......which tells me he only represents the Rich White..........run him out of the STATE.....

This man should be stripped of his office.........to not help the less fortunate in his states is disgraceful.......which tells me he only represents the Rich White..........run him out of the STATE.....

This man should be stripped of his office.........to not help the less fortunate in his states is disgraceful.......which tells me he only represents the Rich White..........run him out of the STATE.....

I agree 100% with Stanford...You stupid democrats are all about let the government give,give ,give.....the next generation will pay for it...LOOK WHAT CLINTON DID TO OUR COUNTRY..

Well, maybe South Carolina shouldn't get any federal money...since it all comes from one kind of tax or another...if their Gov. thinks it's all federal predatory lending...no money for you.

Let the people go SC is still mest up after all these years, no wonder my Mom and Dad move up here back in the 50's.

I do not understand why this governor and the Republicans think it is necessary for the Government to tell Women what to do with their bodies but not get into solving other humanity’s problems. It’s like someone telling God what to do and what not to do. Those of us that are fighting these thoughts do so because the Govt operates as God. Whatever the Government says is the verdict. Isn’t that what George Bush did when he was in office. So, for the Republicans to be asking the Govt to ban abortion and debar them from helping the ones that are already born is mind bugling.

Typical Republicans. They are thinking of the elections more than of the people President Obama intends to help. I think it is about time to send a REALLY clear message to these people. I think it is time to just replace all Republicans in the next cycle. They try to pretend that they didn't have anything to do with this mess, but their boy, Bush, landed us square in the middle of this awful mess. And what are they doing to help alleviate it? Not one darned thing, NOT ONE! The Republicans seem to be deliberately trying to make themselves obsolete. Well, you idiots, it's working!

I am a little confused here...I thought the Republicans BIGGEST complaint is not enough of the Stimulus money was going directly into stimulating the ecomomy. And now all of a sudden this Governor wants to take a portion of it and paydown his states DEBT!! Excuse me that is not Stimulating the economy!!
The answer from the Congress and Senate to this Governor, should be very plain, very LOUD...Use the money for what it is intended for...OR SEND IT BACK....End of discussion!! Lets turn the page..I am so sick of these grandstanding politcal (Democratic or Republican) JERKS it makes my stomach turn!!

To Allen who thinks that Sanford and Rick Perry of texas are doing the right thing by not accepting the money. I guess you must have been sleeping under a rock when Bush was doing all the spending to get us in this mess. I am sure you didn't have any objections then...did you?

i will bet the next gov in s. carolina isnt going to be sanford.
the party of NO. PEOPLEYOU HAVE A CHANCE TO CHANGE THINGS
AT THE NEXT ELECTION.

The only republicans turning down the money are those with aspirations to higher office.

To hell with their constituents, they figure. South Carolina is a basket case with the highest unemployment rate in the nation behind auto-dependant Michigan.

Sanford (like the Republican Party leader Rush Limbaugh) is hoping the recovery effort (and this nation) FAILS, so that his parties and his own personal chances improve.

Country First??? This has always been a cynical republican joke. The people aren't as gullible anymore as they've been fooled once too many.

What next? Will republicans show their "patriotism" by arming themselves and threatening to seceed from the union?

@ TerryV who said: "It amazes me how hard-working americans are now labeled as self-righteous extremists. Since when did 'work ethic' become a negative attribute ? Sandford sees what the rest of us "hard working self-righteous extemists" see……that your lot in life is a combination of your own efforts matched by your own skillset matched by your own desire."

All the "work ethic" in the worl doesn't mean jack if there ARE NO JOBS!

"Government doesn't create real jobs. The American people create jobs, unless the government gets in the way."

Is it just me or is this line one of the dumbest pieces of rhetoric? Hello the government is the people. You know we have those things called elections to voice our approval for representatives.

Stop with the non-sense the government doesn't create jobs, American people do. You just look and sound foolish. Besides even in short-term job creation there are other benefits such as tax revenue that will increase. This plus other things could help sustain jobs after federal money runs dry. Think about it.

If Gov. Stanford was just fiscal conservitive,then why does the state of South Carolina have deficient? I guess is spending more that state is taking in. What a hypocrite!

If SC didn't have 10% unemployement and had the opposite I would say listen to the man. However, that's not the case. He has schools with the environment that vey few could learn from. He talks about debts on our children but it will get worse when they can't get the education they need for the future.

BTW, Al, Congress did deny themselves the automatic increase in salary, which is tied to inflation, for 2010 budget cycle. I'm not sure what you are complaining about.

Interesting.....Over a 6 year period the Republicans bankrupt the country through extraordinary spending and tax cuts that went mostly to the rich, with nothing to show for it. Schools, Energy, and Health Care are still a huge problem even after they spent this country into debt.

And then in a time when we actually need government spending to help create jobs aimed at solving some of our problems like crumbling infrastructure and schools, they say no. So sad.....I guess if it's not a government contract to Halliburton or a military contractor they don't really care.

It amazes me how hard-working americans are now labeled as self-righteous extremists. Since when did 'work ethic' become a negative attribute ? Sandford sees what the rest of us "hard working self-righteous extemists" see......that your lot in life is a combination of your own efforts matched by your own skillset matched by your own desire.

If Sanford has such great ideas to get SC back on track they haven't worked so far. SC has 10%+ unemployment and is a debtor state to the fed gov. All of SC's problems and Sanford has the gall to lecture about fiscal responsibility?

I thought negative campaigns were over with because Obama was bringing in change? Isn't he supposed to be a new kind of politician? Why doesn't BO speak out against this kind of negative campaign?
Answer: Barack Obama doesn't represent change except that he is has a funny sounding name and doesn't look like the presidents on our money.
And what of these obnoxious comments about how dumb South Carolinians are because this guy is their governor. I have no doubt these types are Obama supporters who love it when Obama talks about high-minded behavior but they have no intention of taking it seriously.

Mark Stanford is all political,he wants the feds to pay for SC debt but he doesn't want to help the people of SC. That is ridiculous! You repugs critizing the President after idiot Bush got into this mess. Where was Gov. Stanford when Bush started this deficent spending and since President Obama is spending you are complaining. The majority of people american are not listening to repugs. Its not good enough for the repugs to say we are sorry and it was big mistake to regain their credibilty about their spending habits in the last eight years. Tax cuts for the rich does not work and a spending freez will not stimulate the economy. Until the repugs come with better ideas instead of just saying NO, they should shut -up!

What we have in this site are people against Governor Sanford who believes in fiscal responsibility therefore refused to accept part of porkulus bill of Obambi; are the same people who doesn't pay their income tax, have both hands waving for government cheese, people who can't even balance their checkbooks, people who are heavily in debt and expect the rest of us to pay for their way of living.

Take a look of California, full of welfare recipients, heavily in debt, they have taxes now going to the roof, people are moving out of state. The only thing liberals know is TAX & SPEND.

The government do not create sustainable jobs, that belong to the private sector, the American people. The more government inject theirselves into the lives of the people especially the business sector, the more our economy will suffer now and in the future which Obambi, Pelosi, Reid are doing.

Porkulus Bill of Obambi is nothing but a quick high, then when that high fades away, you'd be crying because you're lucky if you have two pennies left to rub together.

Sanford is thinking of the future for his constituents, he doesn't want them to be paying a lot of taxes to the federal government, that is called FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY which is ALIEN to Democrats.,

It's an unfortunate situation. On one hand, the Governor is punishing poor people in Carolina. Yet on the other hand, there are some issues in the stimulus bill that are unconstitutional in that they violate States' rights (10th amendment). Governors in other States like NY are not too concerned about that because they don't realize that our country is, in fact, a federation of sovereign nations (States), and not a unitary nation.

Yet on the other hand, poor people should not be punished. Perhaps he can accept the funds, and then at a later date, governors from several States can challenge the federal government on the constitutionality of the stimulus bill. 34 states united together is all it takes to literally deliver a knockout punch to the federal government (see the US Constitution).

All this screaming from Republicans reminding taxpayers they are footing this stimulus bill, warning them how we'll pay for it later... for years to come. Why didn't we hear them screaming when all of their fat cat rich buddies on Wall Street got their stimulus to help the economy and then began to squander it on bonuses? Were they looking out for us then? I'm not sure any of the Wall Street bail out money has helped anybody but the people who caused this whole mess in the first place. the problem is, everyone feels the need to point out the problem, but lacks the need to fix it. To all of those opposing any kind of stimulus for our economy are the ones who'd rather do nothing at all. I can't help but hear the great leader of the right saying, "I want Obama to fail." This is OUR country you're messing with... not yours alone.

Clealy those of you shouting that the governor is right have a job and are not suffering... Oh I am so sick and tired of the self riteousness of some extremist. I don't hate Republicans..I hate idiots and they are on both sides of the political fence. And how stupid these people are calling everyone a socialist now that Obama is President – you have no idea what Socialism is or means...Where were you all when we were blowing all the $$ on the dumbest war in the world. Where are those WOMD's? NOWHERE! WASTE of BILLIONS. You would be the same people complaining about illegal aliens but are happy to Rebuild Iraq. So I guess you would prefer we attack Mexico and then rebuild it too. Why do I even bother trying to talk to you all...Selfish, selfish, selfish. God's country my @ss. people here are absolutely delusional hypocrits.

As a retiree in Atlanta, I would be interested in SC, maybe....But, I'd like to know why the huge debt? Where did the money go? We have friends in SC gated-communities, nice people,although we're not gated -community people. If your financial mess is so bad that you cannot attend to the needs of your schools regardless of racial background, then it's possibly not a State to consider for retirement. As your State was ranked fourth in retirement by Barron's or Fortune 3 or 4 years ago, how have you screwed it up at this time? Atlanta is worse maybe, but we might look into other places. Maybe the all-important "developers" have you by the throat as here. So MUCH $$$ floating around, irresistable isn't it?

I wwonder if the congressman will also turn down the next pay raise that they automatically give themselves,,,,,,,,i bet that he does NOT turn that down. Someone should ask the senator, how much pork is in this bill that he himself has put into the bill.

@Matt
I agree with you.
The first amendment to go under the obama rule was that of free speech. Say anything against the guy and you are personally attacked and he'll do anything to destroy you.

I didn't know that destroying those who oppose you is what made our country great. I thought that was Iran and Iraq, not the USA, but under obama that all has changed. Our country was great because you could voice your views and fight for what you believe is right without fear of prosecution, but I guess that is not what obama believes or he would say something about it. He encourages it by ignoring it and because it is to his benefit.

Hopefully this will only be 4 years or less.

Mark Sandford is showing prudence and forward thinking in his stated intentions, and I applaud his approach in not burdening our debt any further. He fully recognizes (and has stated in a previous commentary) other avenues to solve our current economic problems.

Republicans are too funny... Been in power for 8 years and did absolutely nothing for this country. Now lose power and you nuts are losing your minds... This is totally laughable.. I am LMFAO!!!!!!!!

I am so glad I don't live in the South.

How long before Democrats realize the campaign season is over?

Thou shall not criticize Obama and his socialist plans if you do you get the Obama brown shirt brigade to make stupid ads about you.

Over the last 8 years I had to hear all the liberal arrguments for not supporting the president and one excuse I heard often was that you can be a patriot and love your country and not believe in your presidents plans.

Why is that attitude no longer allowed now that Barack is the president? This is why I am no longer a democrat because the hypocracy and the fanaticals in the party.

I agree...the unemployed need toget off their keysters and show a little bit of self-reliance. There are jobs out there.....you may not start in the cubicle or behind a desk...but employment is there for those who have the initiative and desire to be independent and financially responsible. Sandford's actions with regards to the stimulus package and with regards to his recent contentions over SC's unemployment agency are the actions of a fiscally responsible leader.

GOOD.

If these Southern Governors WANT to put themselves on the block, that's their choice. But they have NO right to jeopardize the lives of their residents who are hard-working tax-payers that DESERVE the stimulus to help them keep their jobs, homes, and extend unemployment benefits.

These WHITE Southern Governors still operate as if they are the "Slave Masters" of the south. They continue operating on the premises that only they should be employed, have healthcare and a nice home. In their sick minds these Governors think they are the only ones "entitled" to achieve success and a good quality of life!!

I'm sick of them, residents in the south need to WAKE UP and vote these fools out of office.

Governor,

Please, for the sake of our children (all of the children of SC), please accept the funds.

Our unemployment numbers are staggering, our literacy rate is falling, our mortality rate is rising and more people are fleeing our state.

Please, please accpet the funds.

All I've got to say is a great big THANK YOU to my governor, Mark Sanford. If you want to put out a fire, don't be stupid enough to add gasoline to the fire. If you want to get yourself out of debt, you DO NOT keep adding to that debt. If our nation wants to get out of debt – GET THOSE SPEND-THRIFT DUMMYCRATS out of office IMMEDIATELY!!! We very simply CANNOT AND SHOULD NOT KEEP BAILING EVERYONE OUT. But then again who knows, maybe the Titanic wouldn't have sank if they had kept adding water faster!!

Thank you Mark Sanford for standing up for my children, grandchildren and future great-grandchildren who will eventually have to pay all of this so-called "stimulus" money back. Don't take a thing from the deceiver-in-chief! PROUD TO BE FROM SOUTH CAROLINA. Maybe if some of you could get your nose out of the behind of Nobama you could see daylight. As long as you're there, you'll just keep getting our country further and further down the toilet.

Sanford obviously feels a sense of fiscal responsibility that far eclipses the far left liberal leaning carpetbaggers currently in Washington.

Let's just get everything from the govenment, stop working, stop paying, and just take take take and then see how long it takes for people to wake up!

Money comes from someone before it is given to someone else, nothing is truely free people and unless you can speak Chinese we had better stop spending money we don't have and will not have in the future!

This selfish idiot has absolutely no business thinking he could be President.

What a doosh... People really need help. I don't understand why people are so anti unemployment, its good when you get in a jam.. some people have hard times just finding a part time job... so don't judge unless you know what it feels like..

Mark Sandford recognizes what the DNC and Obamanites do not......that shotgun blast spending is NOT the way to pull ourselves out of this hole.....it only wastes ammo.

None of the money should be allowed to go to pay off any State's old debt. SC Carolina should pay its own debt. It has just about the worst school system in the USA and is very backwards and racist.

Thats whats wrong with the south.those govs,reps and senators from the south are still backward.

who's next> Don't act as if they don't deserve the derision!!

Rodney in SC> If you're going to insult people, at least spell correctly.
It's "liberal", not "liberial". Also, it's OBAMA. I know that was intentional, but have some respect. He's the president!

The Governor wants to be able to give his own thanks but no thanks speech in 4 years, we how how it turned out for the last candidate who gave it. he doesn't care he's rich and term limits will make the problems he creates someone else. Typical Republican.

I wish they would issue an ad here in Texas to mock our lousy redneck Governor who cares more about spending tax money on restoring the Governor's Mansion that burned down under his watch than give out-of-work Texans enough money to eat and pay rent. Scumbag!

We need need more color in Congress!!! Yellow, Brown, Red whatever, I myself am tired of White men making the Laws and everyone else have to follow them.

I think this governer is out of his mind. What does he care he has a job food on his table. He is a big racits he wont take this money cause there are too many black people in SC and he doesnt like the president cause he is black he is just like the rest of the republicans. He should have to send his children or grandchildren to the school that is falling apart . He should of watched it on Cnn last night. If he runs for president the American people will remember this.

@ GT – These same people who "Can't put food on the table" would have to pay for the stimulus in their taxes. It's not as thought this money just comes from nowhere, it starts in these people's paychecks, goes to Washington, and comes back to the state government. Besides, the stimulus would allow people who are only seeking part time employment to collect unemployment benefits, something that I don't think anyone is for. It's expensive, and decreases the incentive to work hard.

This man doesn't even make sence... he doesn't want to take the money for his voters unemployment while his state is HIGH in unemployment, because it is not money the state of feds have, BUT WANTS THE MONEY TO COVER HIS OVER DRAWN STATE BUDGET.....
so what does that mean.. the money is okay to cover up his state debt..?? and the heck with the families who need money for food..??

Sanford the millionaire just does not care.

SC is enmeshed in politics of not having by the haves. Sadly it is like expecting WalMart to pay living wages to their folks. Sanford enjoys life up at the big house, while his people are starving outside.

Way to go Gov., we will reach Afghanistanic levels of economic standing any day now!

Will someone please tell the brain dead Democrats that the election is over and stop campaigning and get to work solving problems. Billboards bashing Rush and ads bashing Sanford don't solve anything. Is this the change they promised?

Gee, what a novel idea. Instead of racking up more debt on top of debt, a state actually wants to use money to reduce existing debt. Boy, that sure sounds fiscally irresponsible!!!!

You people on the left just don't get it. This garbage super-pork bill does not create sustainable jobs. All it does is set up unsustainable government infrastructure that the states will have to pay for when the funds run out in a year or two. Where do you think that money is going to come from?

Obama was in Ohio a few days ago for a photo-op touting his 25 police jobs that were being created by the uber-billion dollar stimulous bill. But the part that he completely left out was the fact that these jobs were not funded past 2010. Who pays the bill after that? (Hint: take a look in the mirror)

I applaud people like Governor Sanford who have looked at this mess and realize that the way out of debt and a poor economy is not wasteful government spending that creates temporary fake jobs that we'll all have to pay for for decades to come.

Government doesn't create real jobs. The American people create jobs, unless the government gets in the way.

Great!

Please include Texas - Governor Perry has decided the same for Texas!!

Not only is this Governor out of touch but he clearly has no regard for the people. While he lives in his fine lifestyle there are people struggling to put food on the table and now he wants to play politics with their lives?

The stimulus money is not meant for him!!! It's for the people!!!
This is not the time to play politics their lives, so please get over yourself sir!!!

The ad should include an invitation to all to join the DNC in their march as the Marxism party to make the US a socialist nation.

Indeed he has no one to dictate what he does... Except for the GOP!

I'd like to know who's not on the democratic hit list? There goes our Freedom of Speech. I'm afraid we are going to lose many, many things with-in the next year. It may not take a year he's moving pretty fast with pen in hand!

Of course Sanford is. He is more concerned about appeasing the GOP-base and his party than helping the people of S. Carolina. Sad.

Then again.... IF some GOP governors do not want the money...... more for the other states!

This is change we can believe in? Sounds like politics as usual to me. Can't Obamamessiah control the people within his own party?

I don't know why I should be surprised...I'm still waiting for Obamamessiah to turn water into gasoline. I guess he's too busy making comparisons between himself and Abraham Lincoln.

People keep talking about throwing all the bums out of Washington so to send a message to congress and the senate, but the twits in their districts keep re-electing them and we still have the same old corruption from either party tearing this country down.

Is there trouble brewing in the DNC? If they were so confident about themselves they would not have to be doing these childish things they are doing. Something going on that they have lost their confidence. Sounds like a bunch of children working the DNC. wah,wah

Le t my people suffer. All I want is my career. What an idiot.

Starve the southern Republicans. Less racists to vote against Obama in 2012. Just joking- there are SOME southerners who have intelligence. Too bad they're outnumbered by the rednecks!

Give the money to the districts that supported President Obama and put it towards health care, education, infrastructure, etc. The others that don't like Pres Obama because he's a 'socialist and don't want the stimulus money- let them starve.

Receive the free bucks to day, and double the payback in two years. Sorry, taxpayers can not afford the game play and pay...

The pork in this bill and the attachments that commit states to a continous financil hell will kill this country.

Are many of you so greedy, that you don't understand that this will hurt states that take the money. Or should I say will financially kill the taxpayers of states that take this money.

Definition of PORK is Slop that is fed to the pigs (elected officals )in Washington DC, so that they can have more power and get richer on your tax dollars.

This is common sense, not political. Once the stimulus money that increases the size of programs for the homeless and unemployed runs out, South Carolina would have to pay for these programs themselves, which would require a tax increase to pay for it. According to every source, South Carolina does not have any trouble paying for its current unemployment and homelessness programs, and doesn't need the money that would go to paying for these programs. He's running the state with in its means, not racking up California-esque budget deficits. Can anyone make a logical argument that says what is wrong with this?

his futre is secure, may SC can impeach, or freeze his accounts until people go back to work

FYI to Gov. Sanford–you're not going to win a presidential election if you are unwilling to help the people of your own state. Loser!

I love our Gov. here. He is actually standing up to you bunch of liberial dum butts and saying hey when this federal money runs out who is going to kick in the money then? You dumb liberials are actually to stupid to READ the fine print before you sign, which is one of the reasons most of yo uhave no job or have lost your home, it is called read and be responsible with your money...... Take a lesson from Mark on this, and no we don't want Obuma's money like that, if he wants to give it and have no stipulations then hey baby bring it on!!!

Take the money and change the law back in two years when the money runs out.

This isn't rocket science

Next the DNC's gonna put up a billboard with a whitty saying. Then, bring in Carville for a vicious slap fight.

The DNC is wasting its time and its money Sanford is worshioed by South Caroline and nobody on the Dem side can touch him

This guy is an idiot! He can only do this because he can't run for Gov. again (term limits), if he had to run again he'd be singing a different song. Typical GOP politics instead of doing what's best for the people.

Poor South Carolina..

Gov. Sanford brought his "racist" profile with him from Charleston, SC. There were always complaints against his bias. How he continues to get support, reveals a problem within societies, that needs to be addressed. If this situation doesn't turn SC Blue, the south will never rise again, for sure.
Power to the B to the L to the U to the E!!!!! Go BLUE!!!

Matthew in Detroit ... you are wrong ... you are simply repeating the same line fed to you by Sanford & Company

He is the governor of South Carolina. He and the legislature, not the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES set the laws of their state.

Mr. Sanford does not , I repeat DOES NOT have to be stuck with expenditures after the money from the stimulus has been consumed.

This man is suppose to be the Chief Executive of the State. He should act like and and not duck his responsibilities. When have you ever heard of a CEO being dictated to by someone outside his chain of command?

The governors in this nation don't "report" to the President. That's not how our governement works.

Just another POS southern politician.

Sanford, "Let my people starve cause I got mine." What a guy!

Call him out for what he is! How you can watch your fellow people in your state suffer just to try and score political points is beyond me!

Sanford is the worst Gov. we've had in my 63 yrs. in this state. And to add insult to injury-Lindsey Graham! We don't seem to have much of a chance.

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford is a spineless snake. S.C is 10+% unemployment and a steep rise is certain; and Sanford's solution is to "use stimulus credit to pay down on S.C. credit debt". Unbelievable! JUST HOW DO SANFORD's SOLUTION CURE S.C. UNEMPLOYMENT?

@ JC, who said "It was actually a fairly shrewd move by White House – force States to institute liberal programs in the guise of "stimulus."

You're absolutely right...building roads and schools, etc., is "liberal" and "soshulizm" and is somethign every good neocon should oppose on moral and ideological grounds. After all, the dumber we keep the people, the more likely they are to keep voting for the GOP's misleading, hypocritical nonsense.

china warning us dont to much spending..thats china money..no china we out of bussines

He'd rather his entire state, except for the rich elite, be dining on a diet of government cheese and store-brand instant mashed potatoes....after all, it's the GOP's economic theories that have widened the wealth gap for the past 29 years. Trickle-down economics = trust the rich not to horde all the wealth.

He's really in a lose/lose situation. I think his decision will be the best in the long run...we'll just have to wait and see if people are patient enough.

It's a shame that Gov. Sanford is playing politics while the good people in his state are struggling like many Americans in this economy. He is simply trying to posture himself politically, instead of representing his constituents in SC.

Can you imagine if anyone else had played the same type of political games against President Bush right after 9/11? These Republicans would have gone ballistic (as if they need a reason). Now, we have an economic 9/11, and these same Republicans are playing politics, instead of finding reasonable ways to work with our president to help Americans during these challenging times.

Since Rush's approval ratings and listenership is up since he has been targeted by the DNC, have they decided to move on to actual politicians now? Their Rush plan is backfiring and so will this.

As a fellow southerner , I was appalled at this news ....my heart goes out to the really needy people of SC, They are the ones who will suffer not the politically motivated Sanford .

I sincerely hope that his state will change some of their far right views and see through his decision. Most that hold these views and his supportersd o not need this stimulas , but what about the poor of that state?

This is the worse kind of greed ....as Marie Antoinette was credited with saying when the poor had no bread .... then let them eat cake .

I fear this is another case of a Have not caring about the HAVE NOTS !

Is this what the GOP really stands for now?

So he if he turns it down, he's uncaring. If he takes it, he's a hypocrite. Some people just go out of their way to criticize others.

It was actually a fairly shrewd move by White House – force States to institute liberal programs in the guise of "stimulus." Once instituted, it will be very tough to cut off. It appears some governors (SC, Tex, etc) have seen through it. It does bring up a fairly controversial constitutional argument between state rights and federal power.

I applaud this man. Refusing the money is a surefire way to turn SC blue.

I for one applaud him. There could be no better way for him to turn SC blue.

To anyone in SC – would this be an impeachable offense under SC law?

Just asking.....

DNC should help the people of S. Carolina buy donating the major $$$$ it would cost them to run the ad. Seems they are gambling with the lives of people and legally killing as well. How it works is if you take the funds...then they control the governor and the state. You have to ask yourself...why would they run such an ad? Why would they spend the major bucks instead of helping the people? Oh...politics must be more important.

Sanford is quite wealthy, his children attend private school, so he has no idea the state of the economy in our state. The saddest part of all is he wouldn't care if he did. I've lived in this state 63 yrs. and will never understand what brought about the dramatic switch from Dem. to Rep. I only hope folks realize what has happened to the Rep. party. I consider myself Independent-I vote person not party. I voted for Pres. O and I'm not the least bit sorry. I've never voted for Sanford and never will, and unless the GOP makes some drastic changes will never vote for another Rep.

Our state has never recovered from the loss of our textile industry. Some counties are far worse than others, but there is need in many ways throughout our state. I only hope the neediest can survive until our economy can recover.

Sanford is quite wealthy, his children attend private school, so he has no idea the state of the economy in our state. The saddest part of all is he wouldn't care if he did. I've lived in this state 63 yrs. and will never understand what brought about the dramatic switch from Dem. to Rep. I only hope folks realize what has happened to the Rep. party. I consider myself Independent-I vote person not party. I voted for Pres. O and I'm not the least bit sorry. I've never voted for Sanford and never will, and unless the GOP makes some drastic changes will never vote for another Rep.

Our state has never recovered from the loss of our textile industry. Some counties are far worse than others, but there is need in many ways throughout our state. I only hope the neediest can survive until our economy can recover.

Jim,

You are so correct. People in South Carolina are still upset and in disbelief that we have elected a black president. One of the reason why SC is in the shape it's in is because they elect by race rather than qualifications. They hire people by the same standards. Some people her don't speak to children who are waving at them unless they are of the same race. There are people flying their rebel flags and still are fighting to have it displayed on the state's house. The NAACP is a must for the state of SC.

South Carolina is a "so called" republican state. They are for the rich and well to do.

Sanford is a fool. He should be using this money to buy cell phone minutes and water bottles for the good folks in SC who need help from the government.

He is concerned about the long term. How about helping the people of SC NOW and plan accordinglly for any futurer financial situations.

Mrs. Obama was accompanied by a young lady from South Carolina for President Obama's first "State of the Union" message. The young woman had written a letter to the President asking for help because of the poor condition of her school building and the apathy shown by South Carolina officials about education in general.

Sanford is advancing his political career at the cost of the well being of the citizens of his state. Shame, shame.

Mickie...cry me a river. Accepting any of the stimulus money comes with strings attached that will further screw things up for South Carolina.

This AD by the DNC reminds me of another time in History.....

Are all the folks that see how irresponsible it is to spend money that isn't there headed for the Gas Chambers???????

As they say in the South.....

This Dog won't Hunt!

It is not surprising to see the Dems bashing a conservative for not signing on to its train wreck of an idea. Communism at its finest: dare to disagree with Comrade Obama at your own peril!

Good for the South Carolina Governor. There should be more like him. Sanford-Palin 2012.

DNC, Governor Sanford makes an appeal to use the money as he sees fit for the state that he is the 'executive' of. There is an upside and a downside to his request. The upside is he helps pay off the debt of the state, and the downside is he is not helping the people who are in need, which is one of the intention of the stmulus. He will pay the price at election time.

On the other hand, I do not think we should just give away money w/ no strings attached. Look at the banks ... Obama gives away money w/ strings attached ... and heck the bank want to give back the money. Maybe that is a good thing. Many companies have the intention of coming in and asked for a bail out after seeing the big companies came in asked for a bail out, but now seeing there are strings attached, they are reluctant to ask for the money. I say ... keeps the strings attached.

How can he be playing politics when he's not even running for governor again? Maybe if the people making comments on this site knew something about the man they are criticizing they would keep their mouths shut. All of us would be a lot better off if the taxpayers could keep the money within their states instead of sending it through DC where some of it gets siphoned off to pay for "regulations."

SOUTH CAROLINA IS ON WELFARE!

For every dollar they pay in Fed taxes, they get BACK 1.21, the state of SC has been a burden to the rest of the nation for years!

This act of turning down the funding is a political ploy...if he REALLY cared about fiscal responsibility he would balance his budge and get his state off welfare!!!

Clearly Sanford is already running for the President. He thinks he's got a lock on the disgruntled South.

However, South Carolina has the 2nd highest UNEMPLOYMENT RATE in the nation. Given the state of the economy, how can any responsible governor turn down the EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS that are in President Obama's stimulus plan?

Seems to me the people of South Carolina need to up state unemployment figures by 1 ... that means you Governor

Sanford is proud to govern a poor state that is only getting poorer under his reign. He is even willing to sacrifice his own state in order fulfill his political ambitions. His people are hurting, and what is he doing for them?

I grew up in South Carolina even though I haven't lived there in ages. My brother still does. For most of his life he has pretty much been a die-hard Republican and he tells me he's now done with Sanford.

He will pay for this political decision for the rest of his political days. The people want forget. Yes, it is about time, we remember the decisions of our congressmen/women.

Gov. Jindal want be forgotten either.

The systematic bashing of Palin...Limbaugh...Jindal...Sanford...

Just a coincidence?

To Kevin in Ohio: Tell the people who are hurting ing S.C. that they don't need this money! Sanford certainly isn't hurting – he's living the good life off the backs of those people.

Hew Cruiser – maybe the Rich Republicans who have had a free ride for the last 30 years while everyone else paid for their profits might actually have to "pay the piper " for a change" – or would that make us too little like the aristocracies that our founding fathers fought AGAINST?

South Carolina is a microcsom of Republican values. The disparity between rich and poor is astonishing, the public schools are in terrible shape, roads are in terrible shape, and the economy is in turmoil with some of the highest unemployment in the country. Governor Sanford is a possible presidential candidate? Does anyone want to propagate his shortcomings as governor and replicate it around the country? If you thought Bush was good, try Sanford on for size USA.

I am for South Carolina and this governor is by far the worst we have ever had. He has cut funding for public schools as well as colleges. No one should be impressed by his actions as it is indeed just politics; he doesn't care about the people who are suffering here. Unemployment is awful and our schools are all near the bottom.

It amazes me how people are just noticing how much money has been spent. All of a sudden, the Republicans are experts in the economy. Where was all these so called prophets during the Bush administration. It seems that they would have given their own "Golden Hero" so of the advice they are trying to give President Obama.

South Carolina needs the help and I hope the country is not fooled by this guy.

As a South Carolina citizen, I am sick to death of Sanford.. He cares very little about the people of his state and all he needs to do is look out his window at Finlay Park to see the homeless or walk five miles down to the shelter to see that our state is in trouble. We need the jobs and we need help. The republicans in this state have no clue.

Why on earth would someone deny his state from receiving these funds? I insist that he take this handout like all the other liberal states. I say this because there are other states that are refusing these handouts as well.
Do you suppose it goes beyond the liberal bloggers insisting they take the handout? Do you suppose that if there are budget shortfalls in these states then taking the handout simply sets you up for an identical problemn next time around. Wouldn't it be better that the state look intenaly first and cut spending without the handout so they can be better prepared next time around?
This is the whole problem with entitlement programs and give awayus by the government. It makes everyone look for the crutches right away rather than trying to do it by themselves.
My hat is off to these governors for having the backbone to deal with the problem now rather than later.

The sad thing is, South Carolina does need it. Their unemployment rate is at double digits...second only behind Michigan. They already do take more federal money than they pay in taxes so this is nothing more than political posturing. Gov. Sanford ought to be ashamed of himself and hopefully the people of South Carolina are ashamed of him also.

South Carolina is prejudice against minority group. That all I can say.

What is happening to this country? We have Obama supporters bashing repubs for the exact thing they did during the Bush years. They were even brash enough to boo and outgoing president at the God Obama's inauguration. Now the DNC is acting like the school bullies and wasting much needed monies on billboards and tv ads. Obamas own party will cause further division among the people. I know I am becoming resentful. Well will this childish behavior stop and good manners take over. I am ashamed of this beahvior.

Resist Socialism wherever possible! Thank You, Mr.Sanford.

Personally, I don't blame anyone who turns the money down. It comes with too many strings and unfunded mandates. When the money runs out, but the programs must be maintained, who pays?

Who is going to PAY the bills when the Federal Stimulus money disappears in 2 years? South Carolina.

Some of the Federal Stimulus comes with strings attached, like increasing the number of people on wellfare...and the government will pay the bills for 2 years only, and the States are on the hook for the bill.

So, yes, if you want to be stuck paying higher taxes in the future for 2 years of free money, go ahead and be irresponsible.

The hatred and vitrol of Democrats is causing them to overlook the real issues at hand. This isn't about Bush anymore. As much as he mucked up in 8 years, we can make the situation worse. There really is no such thing as 'it can only go up from here'. Um, things could get much much worse.

Open your eyes, your ears, and your mind. Some of the stimulus money will cost your higher taxes in the long run (on top of the higher taxes we'll pay in interest for borrowing the stimulus money in the first place)

WE DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY!!! Finally a politician that is looking out for the people and the DNC attempts to paint him as the bad guy?

C'mon CNN! Let's out the government minions that are spending our money and running us further in debt.

Yes I would like things to be better, but I cannot think of anything the government has done that is helping. Thanks but no thanks.

hey people...this is what the DNC is suppose to be doing! They are building up a base in South Carolina... cause bets believe when the stimulus start working for other.... states south carolina residents will be looking at Sanford awefully... Sanford is being played and before you know it South Carolina will be a blue state like we did north carolina and virgina!

Real people are going to die as a result of Sanford's decision: innocent children and others who can't afford health care. Take a look at what the GOP calls a hero.

So he is taking the money – our tax payer money that our elected officials have decided to grant for stimulating the national economy – to pay down "personal" state debt?

I mean, if that is right – he is still taking the money!

Then the headline is misleading - he is just overriding the process of our democracy...

I can the campaign poster now. Gov. Stanford standing in front of a rundown school building in a predominately black poor neighborhood saying, " I refuse to take and use the Democrat`s stimulus money for anything other than paying down the state`s debt ." ---– Didn`t the Civil Was begin at Ft. Sumner, S. Carolina ????-- Predjudice still lives on --

I say turn all of the funds that the G.O.P governors don't want into another stimulus check for the people

Sanford is playing a game. He is gambling with the lives of the people of this state in hopes that the stimulus does not work and he can run in 2012 on the "I told you so" platform. In the meantime, we have been elevated from #4 highest unemployment in the nation, to #2. Sanford also has shown a decidedly unsympathic face to the umemployed. When confronted by one of the MANY unemployed former workers in the state Sanford's big help idea for the guy?? "I'll pray for you!" Yep, that's what our fine elected official said.

Our county alone is facing a $12 Million deficit in 2009-2010 school year funds (I can only imagine what the state wide total of education deficits might be). Sanford wants to do away with public education. That is not a joke. He really wants vouchers for the whole country and public ed to be a thing of the past. What he fails to understand is his $3K vouchers will not meet the tuition on a $6K a year school and that most families cannot afford the additional $3k per student difference. So the money he is taking from public ed to private vouchers only hurts everyone.

Sanford needs to realize that "Education is everything. We don't need little changes. We need gigantic, monumental changes. Schools should be palaces. The competition for the best teachers should be fierce. They should be making six figure salaries. Schools should be incredibly expensive for government and absolutely free of charge to its citizens, just like national defense." IMO

This goober wants to turn down the bail out $$; I would like to bail him out... right out of office.

Red states with rising minority populations.

Take a look at who is refusing the money and which states they are from. Red states, yes...red states with nearby red states that turned blue. Red states with GOPer governors who are afraid that letting Obama help their citizenry will turn their state purple or even blue.

Sanford really isn't worth the cost of this add but he deserves the ridicule in public for his stupidity. I and my friends have quit going to MB South Carolina and found better places to spend our money.
They evidently don't need to work or make money.
The PEOPLE ofSC can thank Sanford at the next election! They should also heap a load of thanks on that einstein Lindsay Graham as well!

My understanding is that he grew up on a plantation in South Carolina with a silver spoon in his mouth, never had to work and is married to a Black and Decker heriess. He doesn't have a clue what reality is in this economy . Give me a break! I really feel for the people of South Carolina and the clueless governor they elected.

So he wants to take some of the stimulus money to pay off the debt that him and his collegues have wasted on who knows what. What a hypocryte.

The sly socialist at the DNC are afraid that the message Sanford is sending, which is "managing within a limited budget", will catch on.
The only true means of recovery is more private sector business creation.

Real people are going to die as a result of Sanford's decision. Imagine, he is going to legally be allowed to kill people. Not death row convicts, but innocent children and people who can't afford health care. Take a look a this guy. He is what the GOP calls a hero.

He wouldnt want people to get too smart in his state and see hes a crook.

All southern states have horrible stats when it comes to education, healthcare, and wages. DON'T LISTEN TO THE SOUTHERN GOVERNERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We don't want America as a whole to be like the South.

DNC this is not the President Barack Obama way...as a Democrat I will pettition you to cease this divisive form of politics and lead with a positive example.

Don't follow in the footsteps of Republicans and Karl Rove politics.
Those days are over!

Obama/Biden
2008/2012

Well, if you don't need, don't take it......and I mean ALL of it. And since you don't want it, stop trying to control what is done with it. I'm sure other progressive states would be happy to these funds.

He just doesn't want the peopel of his state to see any direct benefit from the money. He's terrified that they'll appreciate it.

"People are finally realizing that Obama is in way over his head and doesn't have a clue how to fix our economy."

As opposed to, say, McCain/Palin? Shudder.

March 13th, 2009 12:00 pm ET

I guess the left-wing socialists think its a bad thing not to cave in and accept money you don't need. Way to go, Gov.Sanford!

Says the guy from Ohio. Let the people of SC decide what they do and don't need. It is not for someone from another state, or even a single individual like this Governor, to make that decision.

We need many more like this man. States have accepted Federal dollars for years and years and years, and at the same time having to accept the increase of Federal control in their State. What a scheme. The FEDS take money and redistribute so they create reliance by the States on the Federal government. What is different now is the extremes and speed at which it is happening. Wake up before it is too late!

so again, tell my how you're going to be helping the thousands of people who really need this stimulous money?

Get real cruiser....

The real fact is, that historically whites have always wanted to see blacks fail, but since a great number of whites have supported Obama I will change that theory to say that if you look at those who oppose stimulating the economy or who out and our disagree with Obama......all of them have been White Republicans, whether in the House or Senate.

We need need more color in Congress!!! Yellow, Brown, Red whatever, I myself am tired of White men making the Laws and everyone else have to follow them.

SC is listed as having the 3rd highest unemployment rate in this country. This is to Kevin in Ohio, what's so good about this. Of course Sanford would send the money back he nor his family are not suffering. Get rid of another shister republican so that America can be number one, that's if we can ever re-gain that status.

It seems like the DNC is the one playing politics. They're releasing this commercial before even a penny of the stimulus funds have been released.

If I'm not mistaken, my boy did pretty good in SC than I expected, I mean, really expected. He didn't do that bad...

Ohh and for the record, DNC got money, they got money...

Sanford will pay come election time, he knows people are hurting but just does not care! It's all about him

The Democratic majority will disappear in 2010. People are finally realizing that Obama is in way over his head and doesn't have a clue how to fix our economy.

With South Carolina being #2 as the worst economic State in the nation, who does Mark Sanford thinks he is to criticize and not accept money from the stimulus bill. Tell me again it's not POLITICS!

South Carolinians should start impeachment proceedings for his ineptitude as governor.

Sanford IS playing politics. He main interest is SANFORD. How can the people of this beautiful state be so dumb as to support him? Take the money and help the UNEMPLOYED. S.C.has the second highest unemployment on the country. Wake up South Carolina. Sanford has set your state back a hundred years.

Democratic NATIONAL Committee – seems this is a state issue. Let the people in South Carolina take care of this.

I wish the ad would show throughout the state.

You go, Gov.....Rick Perry, too. The Chicoms have told the Obama administration they will not buy anymore U.S. Govt. bonds if we turn on the printing press ay Treasury. Hey President Obama...WE'RE BROKE!!! We MUST draw a line somewhere....these Govenors get it.....Why set up an entitlement you cannot pay for?

I guess the left-wing socialists think its a bad thing not to cave in and accept money you don't need. Way to go, Gov.Sanford!

enough with GOP, they are the do nothing party of this age

send them home and bring a new party from their ashes

I would hope they would show the school where the little girl went who wrote to the president and asked if her school could be fixed. I would hope they show the long unemployment lines and how people are struggling in the state where the governor wants to be king and let his people suffer. This man is a poor excuse as a governor or even a caring citizen. Hopefully the people of SC will get him out of office so that they can get their lives back.

It is a shame that the DNC does not realize that this is NOT political.

Hey DNC... Who's gonna pay the piper?