Sanford Will Abide By SC Court’s Ruling

Gov. Mark Sanford will not contest an upcoming S.C. Supreme Court decision on $700 million in disputed federal “stimulus” funds, meaning that a bitter, months-long political battle is likely to come to an end as soon as this week.

“We respect it and we’re going to abide by it,” Sanford said of the forthcoming verdict by the State Court, which is widely expected to go against him.

Sanford had fought to have the debate over these funds – which represent less than a tenth of the “stimulus” money South Carolina is slated to receive – decided in federal court.

Earlier today, however, U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Anderson ruled against the governor, saying that the two main “stimulus” lawsuits against Sanford should be decided by the state court instead.

A third case, filed by Sanford, will be decided by Anderson after the S.C. Supreme Court rules.

S.C. Chief Justice Jean Toal has already hinted that her court would rule in favor of the S.C. General Assembly – which appoints her and all of her fellow Justices. Toal is also a former member of the legislature.

Such a ruling by the court would put South Carolina in the curious position of having its chief executive stripped of power that was explicitly bestowed upon him by federal law – which amounts to a further weakening of what is already one of the nation’s most Constitutionally-limited governorships.

Sanford said such a ruling should be a “wake-up call” to South Carolinians as to the arcane nature of their state government.

In fact, prior to the Supreme Court signaling its support for legislators appropriating the funds, most lawmakers had previously acknowledged that Sanford was the only person authorized to apply for the money.

Check FITS tomorrow for our exclusive analysis of this protracted political fight … including some criticism of all three branches of our state’s dysfunctional government.

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