Sanford Still Fights Stimulus Plan, Tears in His Eyes

Angry state legislators and picketing teachers still haven't swayed Mark Sanford. The conservative governor of South Carolina is ignoring opponents and his dipping approval rating, now at 40%, because he's wary of federal stimulus dollars. But when a lone security guard gives his support, Sanford's strained emotions begin to show. "I'm gonna lose it here," he says, a tear running down his cheek.

The Republican has only 20 months left in his second, final term—mandated by limits—which may explain his principled stand: He wants SC to match $700 million to help pay down debt. But he insists he's not "on a political jihad." Fueled by his father's Depression-era values, Sanford doesn't want South Carolina to be addicted to dollars it hasn't earned. "We can't spend our way out of a problem that was caused by too much spending," he insists.
(More Mark Sanford stories.)