At least for the moment, it seems that Republicans are presenting a unified front in decrying the proposed Federal stimulus package currently under consideration. In fact, newly minted RNC chairman Michael Steele praised the failure of any House Republicans to vote for the package, saying that the “Goose egg was just beautiful.” So it would come as no surprise if many GOP governors, particularly those often mentioned as potential White House hopefuls, would be standing shoulder to shoulder in opposition, right? Not so fast there, Skippy. As our Editor in Chief noted earlier, cash will still apparently trump principles or party solidarity.

NEW YORK (AP) — Most Republican governors have broken with their GOP colleagues in Congress and are pushing for passage of President Barack Obama’s economic aid plan that would send billions to states for education, public works and health care.

Their state treasuries drained by the financial crisis, governors would welcome the money from Capitol Hill, where GOP lawmakers are more skeptical of Obama’s spending priorities.

The 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, scheduled meetings in Washington this weekend with Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and other senators to press for her state’s share of the package.

As Mayor of Wasilla, Palin quickly mastered the art of working the spigot on federal funds, allowing cash to flow into her town. As Governor she wasted no time in setting records, making Alaska the highest per capita feeder at the federal pork trough. She seemed to undergo an amazing reformation during her vice presidential bid into some sort of mavickery pork buster, but now that she is – at least temporarily – out of the national races, it’s probably not surprising that she’s back in town with her hand out.

She’s not the only high profile Republican governor in this situation, though. Many people have been mentioning Bobby Jindal when the 2012 race is brought up. How does he feel about the stimulus?

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, a former member of the House, said he would accept the stimulus money but would have voted against the bill if he were still in Congress.

Hrmmm. Very interesting. How about Tim Pawlenty, who many felt was a V.P. lock in 2008?

Pawlenty expressed reservations about the cost of the plan and its impact on the federal deficit, which has already grown to over $1 trillion.

“I’m quite concerned about the federal government spending money it doesn’t have,” Pawlenty said. “We’re on an unsustainable path of deficit spending and borrowing.”

At last… a principled stand! Surely you won’t be taking part in any of these dubious dealings, sir?

Pawlenty, who is widely viewed as a potential presidential contender in 2012, said governors have little choice but to accept the relief being offered. “States have to balance their budgets,” he said. “So if we’re going to go down this path, we are entitled to ask for our share of the money.”

So it seems that the message can be distilled down to a few key points:

Democrats are stupid and don’t understand how to fix the economy.
The stimulus proposal is faulty and will damage America.
When do we get our money and where do we sign for the checks?

That sounds harsh, of course, and intentionally so. The fact is that Pawlenty is correct. When you are a governor, one of your primary missions is to take care of your state first and foremost. If there are funds available during tight financial times, you go after them. And it’s a great formula for getting reelected as governor. But when you raise your head above cover to run for the Oval Office the people will examine your principles and actions at every turn under a much less state-centered microscope. What works well this year to secure your place in the governor’s mansion may well keep you out of the West Wing down the line.