Palin Rejects a Third of Stimulus Cash

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.