Sunday, February 15, 2009

Rick Perry on the Stimulus Package

Could Rick Perry really reject the Texas share of the federal stimulus package?

And, if he did, would it help him in the Republican Primary next year?

The answer to the second question is probably "yes," but will it really come to that?

From the DMN:

"If there's any risk Perry would reject that money, we want responsible lawmakers to take it, allocate it and use it for Texas," said state Sen. Eliot Shapleigh, D-El Paso.

Perry spokeswoman Allison Castle wouldn't say if the governor will oppose taking any of the aid.

"The governor continues to oppose the bailout, but if Congress does allocate taxpayer money, a lot of which is from hard-working Texans, then Texans deserve their fair share," she said.

Several state lawmakers have asked the stimulus package's congressional authors to add wording to let a legislature bypass a governor and accept the federal help.

The U.S. House has passed a stimulus bill with the bypass provision, though it doesn't appear to be in a Senate version.

Even as some prepare to call his bluff, Perry has started a website called NoGovernmentBailouts.com.

As Rick Perry's role as governor continues to merge with his role as gubernatorial candidate, who knows what is possible.

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