South Carolina Education Superintendent Jim Rex is exploring a bid for governor and has filed the paperwork needed to raise money for a campaign.

State Sen. Vincent Sheheen, D-Camden, thinks he’s got a way to end the stalemate between Gov. Mark Sanford and state lawmakers over accepting all of the federal stimulus money. He introduced a resolution in the Senate Tuesday that would require the governor to request the money. WJBF News Channel 6’s SC Capitol reporter, Robert Kittle, has more.

Plans to force Gov. Mark Sanford to seek $350 million in federal stimulus cash have hit an expected delay. Camden Sen. Vincent Sheheen introduced a resolution Tuesday that would require Sanford to seek the federal funding. Sanford has said he would refuse the money unless it can be used to reduce state debt. The White House won’t allow him to do that.

South Carolina child advocates say cooperation among lawmakers, the community and business leaders is needed to fight child abuse. Sue Williams, executive director of the Children’s Trust of South Carolina, says her group is bringing several organizations together to fight for children and promote strong families. Williams says the work is crucial in hard economic times.

Attorney General Henry McMaster is back on the road pitching his GOP credentials as he mulls a bid for governor.