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COLUMBIA (AP) -- South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford wants to use federal money to convert failing public schools into charter schools.

Sanford spokesman Ben Fox said Friday that the governor made the request a day earlier during a meeting in Washington with U.S. Education chief Arne Duncan.

The Republican governor last year unsuccessfully opposed the state's receipt of federal stimulus money, arguing it would drive up the deficit, fail to save jobs and open budget gaps when it runs out.

Fox says the governor did not ask for stimulus cash Thursday -- noting the grant money is different because states are requesting it for new programs.

Sanford also talked with Duncan about extending charter schools permissions to last for five years, instead of three years.

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