First Read on the latest stimulus politics:
“A half-dozen Republican governors are considering turning down some money from the federal stimulus package…Who are these GOP governors? They’re a “who’s who” of possible presidential candidates in 2012 — Sanford (SC), Jindal (LA), Palin (AK), Perry (TX), and Barbour (MS).
If the governors reject the federal money, they will be forced to balance their budgets through a combination of tax hikes and spending cuts – not the ideal resume for any presidential candidate.
In general, economic prosperity lets governors build up that Record of Accomplishments – lower taxes and more services – which forms a pragmatic reputation. Such policies aren’t possible now, thus the tough decisions.
