Obama Wins Stimulus Support From Republican Governors

There is, in fact, significant bipartisan support for Barack Obama's recovery package -- at least beyond the halls of Congress.

In recent days, some of the nation's more moderate Republican governors have bucked their fellow party members in Washington and come out in favor of the stimulus proposal.

"In some ways, as the governor of Florida, I'm concerned about what infrastructure projects can be supported by this plan, how we can help education, how we can help with health care for the most vulnerable in our society," Gov. Charlie Crist said on Friday. "We have a deficit in our budget that we are facing in our session coming up in March. And it looks like this could be a help to Florida if done right. From some of my colleagues I have spoken with in the congressional delegation, it will help Florida."

As economic indicators worsen and state budgets suffer, most governors are finding an infusion of federal aid irresistible. And so there are situations like the one taking place in Indiana, where Rep. Mike Pence has led the House GOP charge in opposition to Obama's plan while his state's Republican governor has offered grudging support.

"I have great misgivings," Gov. Mitch Daniels told reporters Thursday in Indianapolis, "but I hope that it's going to work."

In Connecticut, the state's moderate Republican governor Jodi Rell called up Democratic Rep. Jim Himes to ask how she could help move the stimulus through Congress.

"What can I do, who can I call to make sure this passes?" Rell told Himes, according to The Hill.

To be sure, not every Republican governor is on board with the stimulus. The Republican Governors Association "does not take an official position," according to the group's communications director Mike Schrimpf. But there are various members of the organization, he said, who have been critical of the recovery package. Gov. Haley Barbour of Mississippi called large portions of the stimulus "just crazy."

"Don't give me $400 million of one-time money and make me spend it on recurring expenses," he told the Wall Street Journal. "I'm better off not to get it."

Gov. Rick Perry, in Texas, has voiced similar, fiscally conservative concerns. And Mark Sanford, governor of South Carolina, penned an op-ed Friday on the conservative site Human Events, questioning the efficacy of a "stimulus package approach[ing] $1 trillion... [H]ow will spending even more help?"

Yet even Sanford has said he is "undecided" about whether to accept stimulus funding in the event that it passes, and he is facing heavy pressure from the state's mayors and even Republicans in the state legislature to help gear federal aid their way.

Comments

[marvab2]

12:45 PM on 02/02/2009

I would like to urge everyone who is concerned about the lack of backing from Republican senators on President Obama's stimulus plan to write your state senator and express your concern. I sent my letter yesterday. We are constituents and tax paying citizens and trust me, your opinion matters because when it all hits the fan, your vote is what counts. Senators are often moved by what the majority of their voters are concerned about because it attributes to future votes. We have to stand up against issues and stand for issues that concern us the most and not continue to be silent. "Silence is golden," but not when it comes to exercising your voice and your rights as citizens. This is what is so great about living in America where democracy is supposed to work. We are a republic and this is what helped President Obama to get into office - the people of this country finally had enough and decided to take a stand by voting. Never before have so many people turned out at the polls to vote. We can make a difference and we can help the current President to bring about change to our nation. However, we must have a "Yes We Can" spirit and heart! I dare everyone to take the time flood your senators inbox's with letters of concern and urging for support. Let's not just talk about our concern, let's do something about it. So, go ahead and take the plunge!

[buftee]

01:34 PM on 01/30/2009

Exactly the point made here, by an apparently conservative blog, nonetheless.

http://www.gop12.com/2009/01/battle-begins-republican-governors-vs.html

Let's see if the House GOP erupts into war with their Governor buddies! What will Rush Limbaugh do?

[gonow]

12:51 PM on 01/30/2009

Haley Barbour:

"Don't give me $400 million of one-time money and make me spend it on recurring expenses,"

Not a cent for republicans voting against the stimulus package. Let's start saving money right
there.

[jp5472]

01:53 PM on 01/30/2009

I basically signed on to write the same thing - those states reps and governors who voice opposition? Not a dime...next!!

[SurrealPumpkin]

02:47 PM on 01/30/2009

Let's be discriminating: not a penny to districts represented by Republicans. Half the money if their governors supported the bill.