by William Moultrie

Governor Sanford explains his position on involuntary discount acceptance.

Columbia – Governor Sanford was at the center of yet another controversy today when he refused to accept a discount at the Harris Teeter in downtown Columbia.

“I didn’t ask for that discount, and I don’t think I should be forced to accept it,” the governor said. “I can’t see why I should be forced to accept a subsidy on my soda — who knows what strings are attached and I don’t want to be beholden to Harris Teeter when I’m making shopping decisions down the road.”

The discount in question was a “$1 off” sticker that was affixed to a two-liter bottle of RC cola.

“If I’d seen that sticker on there I would have removed it,” Sanford continued, “why should Harris Teeter be able to decide which of my purchases to subsidize?  Maybe I’d rather save a dollar on my Fritos or on the Rotel.  I’m not averse to saving money, but I need to be able to decide where to cut expenses to better plan for the long term. What happens when I get my soda for $1 off this week but next week it’s back to full price? It’s going to completely disrupt my budgeting process.”