Economic stimulus bill generates heat in Senate

Some state leaders try to rally against stimulus bill

In South Carolina, Gov. Sanford and Sen. Jim DeMint (R) are urging members of the Senate to vote against President Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan. Sen. Lindsey Graham and Sen. DeMint joined 16 other Republican senators and representatives at a feisty news conference called by DeMint to denounce the House measure.

Little support has come from Alabama's congressional delegation as well, opposing it 6-1. And in Florida, business leaders and local government officials discussed economic recovery at a joint session of two powerful House panels. And in Mississippi, Sens. Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker are helping to stall the plan, rejecting the spending hundreds of billions on public works and construction projects, increasing funding for Medicaid, and other programs.

Last week, the House passed a $819 billion stimulus bill without a single Republican vote. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Two scenarios offered stimulus budget proposal, says Gov. Riley

ARKANSAS: Animal cruelty bill signed into law

FLORIDA: Pool of candidates limited due to poor economy

GEORGIA: Justice system under strain, says State Supreme Court Justice Sears

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear wants legislators to raise taxes rather than cut services

LOUISIANA: Education superintendent wants to limit local school board powers

MISSISSIPPI: GOP-controlled Senate removes voter exemption from voter ID bill

NORTH CAROLINA: Counties using technology to redraw borders

SOUTH CAROLINA: 18 towns threatened by state over late financial reports

TENNESSEE: Economic stimulus plan could save 75,000 jobs in state

VIRGINIA: Police to protest possible funding cuts today in General Assembly

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