Most Southern governors support stimulus spending
Where does your governor stand on the stimulus bill being fought out in Congress?
While a handful of Republican governors gained national attention for speaking out against Congressional spending, most Southern leaders are more receptive -- either embracing the plan, or at least voicing support for getting emergency money to hard-hit states.
Among those giving a solid "aye" to the stimulus bill:
* Florida's Gov. Charlie Crist (R), who signed a letter [pdf] along with three other Republican governors and 14 Democrats -- including Gov. Tim Kaine (D) from Virginia -- to President Obama last week, stating:
* North Carolina's new Gov. Bev Perdue (D) joined House Speaker Nancy Pelosi last Friday to endorse the bill, making this statement:
* Gov. Bob Riley (R) of Alabama -- whose Congressional delegation voted against the stimulus bill 6-1 -- hasn't embraced Obama's stimulus package, but is on record saying his state wants and needs a federal economic boost:
Riley, a former congressman, said he's not recommending any particularstimulus plan, but is encouraging Congress to pass one because he
While a handful of Republican governors gained national attention for speaking out against Congressional spending, most Southern leaders are more receptive -- either embracing the plan, or at least voicing support for getting emergency money to hard-hit states.
Among those giving a solid "aye" to the stimulus bill:
* Florida's Gov. Charlie Crist (R), who signed a letter [pdf] along with three other Republican governors and 14 Democrats -- including Gov. Tim Kaine (D) from Virginia -- to President Obama last week, stating:
As stewards of the economies of ourrespective states and regions, we urge the Congress to reach promptresolution of all outstanding differences and for you to sign the billwhen it reaches your desk.
* North Carolina's new Gov. Bev Perdue (D) joined House Speaker Nancy Pelosi last Friday to endorse the bill, making this statement:
I can tell you the people of North Carolinaare watching what our congressional members and our senators do,because they are the ones that will suffer if there is not an immediateresolution to this challenge for America.* Tennessee's Gov. Phil Bredesen (D), who give his State of the State address tonight, has said a stimulus bill will be essential to closing his state's $900 million budget gap for 2009-2010.
* Gov. Bob Riley (R) of Alabama -- whose Congressional delegation voted against the stimulus bill 6-1 -- hasn't embraced Obama's stimulus package, but is on record saying his state wants and needs a federal economic boost:
Riley, a former congressman, said he's not recommending any particularstimulus plan, but is encouraging Congress to pass one because he
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Chris Kromm
Chris Kromm is executive director of the Institute for Southern Studies and publisher of the Institute's online magazine, Facing South.