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Palin Rejects a Third of Stimulus Cash

Critics say Alaska gov. is turning down funds to further national political career

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 20, 2009 5:41 AM CDT

(Newser) – Sarah Palin is refusing to accept almost a third of stimulus funds offered to Alaska, the Anchorage Daily News reports. The governor—who can be overruled by the state legislature—says the funds, including $170 million for education, would expand government, but critics charge that she is going against Alaska's best interests for the sake of her political career.

Palin said she would accept funds for construction projects but not food assistance, weatherization, unemployment services, or special-needs education, calling them “positions in government." The governor and her allies expressed fears that the state would be expected to fund stimulus-backed programs when the federal money ran out. "Her rationale is like turning down a gift card because it expires in two years," retorts acting Anchorage Mayor Matt Claman.

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Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, left, responds to questions during a news conference in Juneau, Alaska, Feb. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Chris Miller, File)

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin gives the state of the state address to a joint session of the Senate and House in the Capitol in Juneau, Alaska, Thursday Jan. 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Al Grillo)

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I'm worried the governor is taking this sort of national political stance which is that she's going to be the opposite of Barack Obama on everything.
- Anchorage Democratic Rep. Les Gara

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Palin Rejects a Third of Stimulus Cash