Alaska Legislature Votes to Accept Palin's Rejected Stimulus Funds

Former Governor Sarah Palin's rejection of almost $29 million in federal stimulus money designated for energy efficiency projects was overturned today in a special session of the Alaska State Legislature. The vote was 45-14 in favor of accepting the money. Had it not been approved, Alaska would have been the only state in the union to reject such funds.

In addition, the appointment of Craig Campbell to the position of Lt. Governor was confirmed by a vote of 55-4. Dept. of Corrections Commissioner Joe Schmidt had been previously confirmed by the legislature to fill that position, but when Palin stepped down from her position, she announced Campbell rather than Schmidt would be taking the place of Lt. Governor Sean Parnell when he ascended to the Governor's seat. This unexpected turn forced the need for the special session and a legislative vote on his confirmation at a cost to the state of over $100,000.

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Comments

[Marnie1]

"but when Palin stepped down from her position, she announced Campbell rather than Schmidt would be taking the place of Lt. Governor Sean Parnell when he ascended to the Governor's seat. This unexpected turn forced the need for the special session and a legislative vote on his confirmation at a cost to the state of over $100,000."

Needless to say when Cut and Run Sarah was faced with the issue of the expense of the special session, she necessitated. She blamed the legislature, 'casue they called the special session, she didn't.
In a leader wannabee not responsible usually means irresponsible.

But hey! She can run and hide behind her baby any time it gets tough.

[Marnie1]

AKM can post her favorite "back bone" cartoon.

Good for the Alaskan Leg. They have done what's best for their citizens, regardless of party BS.
That's how elected representatives are supposed to behave.

[Lemeritus]

In yesterday's ADN: "As of late July, with about 12 percent of the stimulus money spent (not including tax breaks), Alaska was the No. 1 recipient at $1,024 per person, for a statewide total of $703 million. Bottom of the list was New Jersey at $247 per capita." Another illustration of the terrible tyranny those liberal blue-coaster states have over REAL AMERICA??? Not!

Meanwhile, today, as Mark Begich strived to explain his stand on health care reform to local business leaders, the meeting place was surrounded by REAL AMERICANS described as follows:

"There was The 912 Project, a Mat-Su based group that says it wants to bring government to heel. The Anchorage Second Amendment Task Force was there. One of the protesters, Nick Brockett, wearing an American Patriot Tea Party shirt, got kicked out of the Egan Center for having his Glock 9mm on his hip."

Well, 912 Project, if you want to bring government to heel, how 'bout returning some of that stimulus money?

Thanks, Muckraker, for giving me a chance to reflect on the state of the state I grew up in.

[xango xango]

Alaskans are bursting with joy after watching Palin "execute" another belly flop into the pool. She drained the Alaskan pools and now she's out belly floppin' throughout the country. Life is good in Alaska, dingety dongety the witch is dead.

[trisha08]

Regarding all those "ropes" that are attacked to the money (per Palin).......

She sure does make up a lot of stuff, doesn't she?

[Gramiam]

Competent and Governor in the same sentence, referring to Sarah Palin, is an oxymoron!

[2008CaliforniaFan]

Well... finally someone was actually thinking of actual Alaskans and not trying to pander to some wing-Nut base.
And years from now people will talk about a certain EX-Gov that quit on them and also say " Remember that crazy Governor we had that vetoed money for ' energy conservation'... what was she thinking? "
People will be talking about Palin for years to come... for all the wrong reasons.

[dowl]

IMO, the elected officials in AK did the right thing for its citizens by overturning the ex-governor's veto of the stimulus fundz for insulation in the coldest state in the union. They vetoed the XGINO!

Is it safe to visit Alaska now? OR should we be more afraid that Sarah 'Death Panel' Palen, Queen of Quit, has been unleashed to (in her own words) be even more politically incorrect? Isn't it politically incorrect to foment treasonous acts against our government?

[mamalisa38]

Sarah Palin, like the Republican party, is morally bankrupt.

[VillageReader]

The Quitter tried to shaft the people of Alaska one more time on her way out and the legislature was smart enough to say 'H%ll NO!'

She has caused so much damage in my state and to the United States. Can anyone remember when the tide turned from a civil debate during the Presidential run to a hate fest, poison filled dialogue aimed at tearing down and threatening people? I can. When John McCain appointed Failing Palin. In my view, she was like a snake whispering her poisonous threats and snide comments to the gullible with a wink and a smile.

Thankfully she is no longer part of the political decision making here in Alaska and hopefully she will NEVER be a larger force in the U.S.

[MisterHands]

Troubled Alaska health programs-- Sarah Palins legacy.

"The situation is so bad the federal government has forbidden the state to sign up new people until the state makes necessary improvemen­ts."..."In one 2 1/2 year stretch, 227 adults already getting services died"..."No other state in the nation is under such a moratorium"

http://www.adn.com/life/health/story/864670.html

[iMissMollyIvins]

Alaskan Death Panels. You Bet'cha!

[Lemeritus]

I miss Molly too... just sayin'.

[Marnie1]

Love the icon. I really miss Molly Ivins, also , too.

[wanda665]

need to keep on this. appears msm is not mister hands

[Lee323]

The Alaska Legislature decisively showed that they are the ones who are the REAL energy experts up there. Palin's energy credentials were all self-manufactured natural gas anyway.

[AslanRules]

...and don't let the door hit you on your way out, Sister Sarah!

[iMissMollyIvins]

Sure, she's out the door, but she's still out there lurking in the bushes.

[Gryphen]

There was really little doubt that the legislators would take this money.

The protesters gathered outside were a special brand of crazy.

Many of the signs that I read, and conversations that I overheard, literally made me fear for the safety of our legislators. There is something bad in the air that I don't think we have completely come to understand yet.

And Sarah Palin's recent attempt to walk back her insane Facebook posting has done nothing to calm the angry mob.

By the way they actually called themselves an "angry mob". And then complained that Senator Begich would not come out to talk with them.

Go figure.

[johnie2xs]

I absolutely enjoy all you Alaskan bloggers.

Keep fighting the good fight.

[johnie2xs]

I absolutely enjoy all you Alaskan bloggers.

Keep f igh ting the good fig ht.

[MisterHands]

AKM and Shannyn are terrific. Once this Palin madness settles down- I look forward to more reporting on Alaskas environmental issues, drilling etc..

[AslanRules]

Great news about the stimulus dollars since I cannot envision a location more in need of protecting itself from the elements. Winter approaches for our Northern Neighbors and while they may share in the oil revenues, their cost for heating oil is outrageous.

Not yet sure about confirming ANY Palin pick...for anything...even dog catcher.