Show Me The Money!

It's nice to have your priorities straight. Texas Governor Rick Perry faces a strong challenge from Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison in the GOP gubernatorial primary in 2010. Facing off in the general election against the Democrat in a state solidly Repub at the state (and federal) level is far less daunting.

So on April 9 he holds a press conference to vow his support for Texas House Concurrent Resolution 50 and declares

I believe the federal government has become oppressive. It’s become oppressive in its size, its intrusion in the lives of its citizens, and its interference with the affars of our state....

....We think it’s time to draw the line in the sand and tell Washington that no longer are we going to accept their oppressive hand in the state of Texas.

Earlier, he had rejected $555 million in federal stimulus money for unemployment compensation, even though Texas expects to be several hundred million dollars in the hole in its fund for assisting the unemployed. The law reportedly requires more individuals to be eligible for compensation and that these changes be permanent.

So Perry is telling the oppressors in Washington to stay out of Texas and keep their money? No. Now that I've done my grandstanding act, we'll accept the rest of the $17 billion, thank you.

But the Texas governor is not alone among Repub governors preening for the camera while eyeing national office. Referring to the offer as "a bribe," Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is rejecting $388 million of federal stimulus money. Still, she is accepting approximately $543 million. After all, there is no reason to be stubborn about principle.