Sarah Palin's Hypocrisy

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is refusing to accept almost half a billion in stimulus money. Palin stated she will only accept $514 million of the $930.7 million allocated to Alaska.  Unlike GOP governors Arnold Schwarzenegger of California and Charlie Crist of Florida who have welcomed the stimulus money, Palin is following the pattern set by Republican governors Mark Sanford of South Carolina and Bobby Jindal of Louisiana who are part of a group that have rejected the stimulus money allocated for their states.

From the Anchorage Daily News:

“The news Thursday drew anger from those who accused Palin of putting her national political aspirations ahead of the state’s interests, and admiration from others who say she has courage to turn down money that would expand government. The state Legislature will have an opportunity to override her decision.”

“Palin said she is accepting the federal stimulus money that would go for construction projects, but not funding directed at government operations.”

“The biggest single chunk of money that Palin is turning down is about $170 million for education, including money that would go for programs to help economically disadvantaged and special needs students. Anchorage School Superintendent Carol Comeau said she is “shocked and very disappointed” that Palin would reject the schools money. She said it could be used for job preservation, teacher training, and helping kids who need it.”

The Democratic National Committee released the following statement:

“After soliciting and accepting more federal dollars per capita than any other governor in the union, Sarah Palin’s decision today to deny the state of Alaska over half a billion dollars in recovery and reinvestment funds – including millions for schools, energy and public safety – appears to be nothing more than political posturing.  At a time when her state is suffering, Alaska’s working families cannot afford a governor that puts her political future ahead of the needs of the state and its families.”

Exactly!  Palin is turning down…

• $160 million for education.
• $17 million in Department of Labor funds (vocational rehabilitation services, unemployment services, etc.),
• $9 million for Health and Social Services
• $7 million for Public Safety

It is obvious to all but the most partisan that Palin is positioning herself for a run in the 2012 presidential elections.  She is laying the groundwork  for her future campaign cry of smaller and more fiscally responsible government.  In light of her record as governor, the stench of hypocrisy coming out of her office is sickening.

Look for the Alaskan State Legislature to overturn her decision.

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