Politics | Alaska Palin Rejects a Third of Stimulus Cash Critics say Alaska gov. is turning down funds to further national political career By Rob Quinn Posted Mar 20, 2009 5:41 AM CDT Copied Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, left, responds to questions during a news conference in Juneau, Alaska, Feb. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Chris Miller, File) Sarah Palin is refusing to accept almost a third of stimulus funds offered to Alaska, the Anchorage Daily News reports. The governor—who can be overruled by the state legislature—says the funds, including $170 million for education, would expand government, but critics charge that she is going against Alaska's best interests for the sake of her political career. Palin said she would accept funds for construction projects but not food assistance, weatherization, unemployment services, or special-needs education, calling them “positions in government." The governor and her allies expressed fears that the state would be expected to fund stimulus-backed programs when the federal money ran out. "Her rationale is like turning down a gift card because it expires in two years," retorts acting Anchorage Mayor Matt Claman. Read These Next Mark Zuckerberg's 'list' has Silicon Valley buzzing. Hall of Famer Dave Parker dies IAEA chief downplays damage to Iran nuclear sites. That 'buy now, pay later' loan may soon hit your credit score. Report an error