Gov. Bobby Jindal of Lousiana on Friday became the first governor to officially refuse part of the federal stimulus money, saying he would reject a portion of expanded unemployment benefits that would eventually require his state to raise taxes on businesses.
At least five other Republican governors are saying they also may spurn portions of the federal payout.
That’s raising objections from lawmakers, mayors and other critics who say the governors are putting political ideology before the interest of their constituents who need help.
Jindal is widely considered a strong contender in the Republican Party’s 2012 presidential sweepstakes. A rising political star, he’s been tapped to give the GOP response to President Obama’s address to Congress Tuesday.
I personally think this is all political posturing. The Republicans are upset at not getting a majority in the Senate and/or House, plus they lost the White House. Jindal cares more about his bid in 2012 for President more than his constituents’ long-term interests?
It’s time to put such petty things behind us and fix what has happened to the country.
