News 12 @ 6 o'clock, October 1, 2009

AIKEN CTY, S.C. --- South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford's making his way across the state, talking unemployment. His stops included two places in Aiken benefiting from the stimulus funds he originally opposed.

Governor Sanford made his way through the crowd at Aiken Technical College, the talk of jobs is on the agenda. He's on a cross state tour trying to find a way to connect people in South Carolina with jobs.

"What don't we do? In this day and time with the economic situation and unemployment we're really focusing on those who are unemployed and underemployed," said director of Aiken Tech's One Stop Helen Bratton.

Helen Bratton says they've had more people coming in trying to start over in a new career. It's something that's a lot easier because of government funding.The One Stop says thanks to grant and stimulus funds, they're able to help people in Aiken County prepare to get a job and give them the skills to keep it.

The governor originally opposed stimulus funds that benefited both places he visited, Savannah River Site and the career center. Thanks to the American Recovery Act, Aiken's downtown One Stop was able to put at least 50 people into a job at SRS.

"My particular objection to stimulus funding was it was temporary. The one stop is a program that has been needed, is needed and will be needed for quite some time. My objection was mechanical, not against this program or many others that are funded by stimulus dollars," said Governor Mark Sanford.

"We're getting recognition. I think we're the best kept secret here at Aiken Technical College campus," said Bratton.

And now that the secret's out, Governor Sanford says he'll do his part to make sure even more people hear about it.

"It's absolutely my commitment to work on those things for the next 15 months," said Gov. Sanford.

Even with all the controversy that's been surrounding the governor in recent months, he says he won't let it stop him from helping people find jobs in his final months in office.