SC Supreme Court Orders Governor to Apply for Stimulus Funds

Here's a strange case coming out of the stimulus package passed by Congress.  The South Carolina Supreme Court has issued an opinion and a writ of mandamus ordering Governor Mark Sanford to apply for stimulus money.  This comes on the heels of the South Carolina legislature passing an act mandating that the Governor apply.  The legislature has the sole authority to appropriate funds, including federal funds under the South Carolina Constitution.  The case is Edwards and Williams v. State and SCASA v. Sanford (26662). The opinion is here and a news analysis is here.  Thanks to Chris Cillizza in the Washington Post for the lead.  [MG]

Editor's Note. The South Carolina Supreme Court's highly unusual action reminds me of Patti Smith's classic Punk Rock anthem "Free Money" You'll find better audio in YouTube clips of The Patti Smith Group performing the song but I selected this one because it features Patti Smith playing "Free Money" at CBGB's last show on October 15, 2006. [JH]