February 5, 2010

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Gov. Mark Sanford wants $300 million in
federal stimulus money for South Carolina, less than a year after
fighting against accepting more than $700 million.

The State newspaper reported that Sanford flew to Washington on
Thursday to ask for South Carolina's share of the $4 billion "Race
to the Top" education money. Forty states already have applied for
the money, which is awarded based on plans to improve education and
for innovation.

Sanford lost a fight in the South Carolina Supreme Court last
year in his bid to refuse to take stimulus funds for public
schools, colleges and law enforcement.

Gubernatorial spokesman Ben Fox says Sanford has no interest in
debating the issue again.

South Carolina U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn praised Sanford's efforts
on behalf of public schools.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)