…angry state residents and state legislators are now facing the prospect of drafting two budgets — one that includes $700 million in federal stimulus funds over the next two years, and one that doesn’t.

Sen. Hugh Leatherman says what the Legislature must do, given the uncertainty over whether the state can accept the federal money without the request of Gov. Sanford, who has said he won’t take the money.

In a letter to the governor, Leatherman called the situation “chaos” and warned of dire consequences for state schools and prisons without the stimulus money.

“Overriding your decision could lead to chaos in the courts,” Leatherman wrote. “Failure to override your decision most assuredly would lead to chaos in the budget.”

Rep. Jim Clyburn contends that the U.S. Department of Education could bypass both the governor and legislators to help South Carolina schools directly.

Leatherman’s view that the matter could be headed for the courts might be the most clearheaded. That can’t be good for anyone: It would mean that even if South Carolina eventually gets the money, it could be long after it’s most needed.

Opponents of Sanford’s position plan to hold a rally on Wednesday, April 1, in front of the State House. The rally will run from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.