Read more: Local, State, National, Politics, Sanford, Stimulus, Standoff, Mcmaster, Federal Government, White House, Reject, Money
Governor Mark Sanford has until Friday night to decide whether he'll accept $700 million in stimulus cash. The governor says he'll only take it if he can pay down state debt. The White House has rejected that proposal twice.
Senator Lee Bright of Spartanburg County agrees with Governor Sanford, saying the federal government is stretching its arm too far.
"They intend to tell states how to manage their budget, and the federal government is the worst group to tell you how to manage your budget."
Several Republicans and most Democrats disagree.
Spartanburg County Senator Glenn Reese says, "Education is in for a rude awakening if Governor Sanford rejects the money."
Congress put a loophole in the stimulus bill so state lawmakers could override the governor, but White House Budget Chief Peter Orszag says only Governor Sanford can request the money.
State Attorney General Henry McMaster has the same opinion.
McMaster says lawmakers could take the matter to court if the governor rejects the money.
