Sanford Says 'No'--So Now What?

The South Carolina state Senate could decide this week whether they'll go around Gov. Mark Sanford to secure the $700 million in stimulus money that Sanford refused.

Rep. Jim Clyburn (D, SC) slipped a provision in the stimulus bill allowing state legislatures to pass a concurrent resolution and request the money in case the governor denies it. Clyburn admitted he had a "hunch" that Gov. Sanford would be one of those governors.

The SC House of Representatives already voted to include the $700 million in next year's budget and a SC Senate committee indicated the same thing. State Sen. Larry Martin (R, Pickens County) said he believes it will come to a vote and pass this week.

However, Martin does have some concern they'll face lawsuits. Sen. Lindsey Graham asked for a legal review of Clyburn's provision and he believes it violates the constitution.

Regardless of how this dispute turns out, South Carolina won't walk away empty-handed. Aside from the $700 million being fought over, the state is eligible for another $2 billion in the federal stimulus plan.