Sanford modifies tune on stimulus

After repeatedly criticizing the federal stimulus bill signed into law this week, Gov. Mark Sanford appeared to acquiesce to taking the federal funds. In one of his numerous recent television interviews, Sanford said his opposition to the money “doesn’t preclude taking the money.”

Earlier this week, some observers believed that a high-dollar game of chicken was developing between the S.C. governor and La. Gov. Bobby Jindal, both considered to be possible presidential candidates in 2012. If Jindal refused the money first, the belief was that Sanford’s hand would be forced and he would not accept the cash.

Of course, the General Assembly could go around the Governor to accept the funds, but Sanford could direct state agencies to not spend any of it. That one aspect is still a possibility, as Sanford said that he and his staff would look at South Carolina’s haul and judge what would be acceptable and what would not.