South Carolina's Sanford to become first governor to reject funds

And hopefully more governors, not just Republican ones, follow his lead.

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford is expected Wednesday to become the first governor to formally reject some of the federal stimulus money earmarked by Congress for his state.

The move will cement Sanford's growing reputation as a political powerhouse among Republican party stalwarts nationwide — though how much of the estimated $8 billion in stimulus funds destined for South Carolina will be affected is unclear. The law allows state legislative leaders to accept funds the governor rejects.

"Our objections to the so-called stimulus bill have been well-chronicled for the way it spends money that we don't have and for the way this printing of money could ultimately devalue the American dollar," Sanford said on Tuesday, even as he acknowledged that he'll accept some.

This is great to see. But we already know Deval Patrick won't be rejecting any money Obama wants to give away. In fact Deval has already spent the "stimulus" money 3 times over I'm sure.