Sanford enjoys new spotlight
Governor speaks up on bailouts, economy, relishing role as Republican group's leader
By Robert Behre
Gov. Mark Sanford has been as visible as ever on the national stage during the past week, primarily warning about plans to help the nation's economy recover by increasing the national debt.
He's talked about it with President-elect Barack Obama. He has written op-ed pieces in national newspapers and appeared on television, radio shows and Web sites.
This increased exposure not only stems from Sanford's passion on the recession — "I think we're at a total gut-check point on where we go next," he says — but also from his new role as chairman of the Republican Governors Association.
Previous Story
Sanford's political star rising; Governor on national stage with new leadership role; talk of 2012, published 11/15/08
"The bottom line is, as head of the Republican governors, I think there is a fiduciary responsibility for us as governors to speak up," he said. "Since I've gotten that assignment, we've gotten a lot more (media) calls. We're simply responding to the calls coming to us."
Sanford said that during his meeting with Obama, the president-elect agreed the national debt is a huge problem but said the larger question is what should be done to revive the nation's economy in the short term, even if that means more debt.
"The problem with that, my counterpoint, was that's what I've been hearing for the last 15 years of my life," Sanford said. "Everybody is like, 'The budget can go up this year, but next year it's going down. The conclusion I've come to ... is the only budget you've got is this year. Next year is a maybe."
Sanford also has spoken out against bailouts to states, car companies and others. "We're moving to a political-based economy where if you've got the right lobbyist in Washington, D.C., or if you're in California, some big state or some big company, then you get the golden wand from Washington," he said. "And then, all of a sudden, the invisible hand, all those folks who are the real drivers of the economy say, 'You know, I'm the sucker at the birthday party.' "
Sanford noted California's spending outpaced the spending of many other states and the federal government, partly because it has very generous personnel packages, including one that allows policemen or firemen to get 90 percent of their salary by retiring at age 50.
"That's far more generous than a policeman or fireman in South Carolina gets," he said. "Every state ought to be free to do it however they want to do it, but you've got to pay for however you want to do it. You shouldn't then look to policemen and firemen in South Carolina to subsidize somebody else on the opposite shore."
While Sanford said he will continue to use his new bully pulpit to argue against bailouts, he knows it's an uphill fight: One-third of the nation's Republican governors favor Obama's idea for new federal spending on state infrastructure while two-thirds agree with Sanford.
Reach Robert Behre at 937-5771 or at rbehre@postandcourier.com.
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sig (anonymous) says...
Governor Sanford for President! I would vote for him.
December 5, 2008 at 6:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
3olivesmike (anonymous) says...
The Govs 12/2 letter to the Pres-elect was a thoughtful one that touched on Obama's favoring no immediate tax increases, cautioning the new administration against protectionism, urging against the Employee Free Choice Act, and recommending no additional debt that can't be offset. All worthy recommendations under normal economic conditions. But what would Mark do as we head toward 14% unemployment, increased individual debt payment failure, and home foreclosure? If you don't know what Sanford's Plan B is then I would hold off on those 2012 campaign plans.
December 5, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
musicpaladin2007 (anonymous) says...
"I think we're at a total gut-check point on where we go next," he says"
Heh. He seems to be taking Stephen Colbert's advice to heart. Remember, you have more nerve endings in your gut than any other part of your body.
December 5, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
I feel that Sanford has done little to help this State come out of its abyss of mediocrity. Sanford is one of these folks that has his ideology so far up his backside; he has no clue how to make pragmatic decisions that would better this State. It isn't any wonder why so many conservative love him, he rules on principle and not with what works.
December 5, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tigerrecord (anonymous) says...
Do you realize how our system of government works in this state? Do you know how the Governor's power structure is constructed?
Our state congress is recklessly out of control, and because of the veto structure in SC there's not much ANY governor can do about it. There are many reasons why Sanford is disliked, but because he doesn't carry out his ideologies, makes relevant and proper decisions (do you even know what pragmatism is, I am not so sure you do) for the State, and ultimately have great success are not why. Had anybody listened over the last few years in how we should've structured our budget, they would not be making drastic budget cuts. But nobody can see the forest through the trees.
Also, if your speaking of conservatives in a general sense, yes, most do. But many Republicans in the state congress can't wait for him to be gone. We need more conservatives in our State government, and less of the Post-Regan Republicans. Why do you think the Speaker of the House (R) and the Governor spar? Chew on it.
December 5, 2008 at 9:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
3olivesmike (anonymous) says...
But you have to admit, he knows what the question is: "where we go next". And I'm betting he knows the answer. But that political ideology collides with his better judgment. A better written article would have contrasted the letter to Obama, which indicated that Republican governors are committed to the non-partisan approach to solutions offered by the Obama campaign, to the sense of the press conference that indicated that Sanford will be a deficit hawk ready to keep the Democrats from spending us into oblivion.
December 5, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wjhamilton3 (anonymous) says...
With the Federal Government getting ready to make major infrastructure expenditures as part of a national stimulus package, do we really want to position Red State South Carolina as the national poster child against deficit spending? Expenditures for transit, school, road and public utility construction are going to to be made. If we keep this up, we can probably make sure they get made somewhere else. There are 49 other states lined up with projects ready to start. California has a Republican Governor and a long list. They voted for Obama, have 40 million residents and a huge congressional delegation, including the speaker of the house.
Our Governor is right. We do have a political economy. We should at least be on the right side of the politics when they're passing out the checks.
I am sure hard core Republicans in other states will be happy to praise Sanford while they ride new transit systems, use new roads, operate new water treatment plants in their states and enjoy local economies where employment was available to preserve real estate values and local commerce during the recession.
December 5, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
3olivesmike (anonymous) says...
And at the end of the day, Sanford will be the personification of the Governor-Lobbyist. My only problem with him is why is he always faking right and heading up the middle?
December 5, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CNN_10 (anonymous) says...
Mark Sanford has is a bully pulpit because his job as governor is powerless. The real power in South Carolina belongs to Glenn McConnell and Bobby Harrell. Sanford is hurting this state if we do not take any type of federal funding at least.
December 5, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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