New Governor, New Legislature, New Reality
2012-04-11 - by
Here’s a question that should come up in the Democratic gubernatorial candidates – a question no Democratic candidate for governor has ever been asked: How will you deal with a legislature controlled by Republicans?
The closest we came was 1996, when Jim Hunt was running for reelection and Republicans controlled the House. But Hunt had two years under his belt dealing with the House, and he had a Democratic majority in the Senate.
This is an altogether different kettle of fish.
The glib answer is: “I trust Democrats will get the legislature back.” But nobody believes that. So press on for a deeper answer.
In reality, a Democratic governor would have three tools: the veto, the bully pulpit and a bunch of appointments.
It’s unseemly – and illegal – to explicitly link appointments with legislative cooperation. So Governor Dalton, Etheridge or Faison would have to decide, first, how often to use the veto stamp. And they would have to decide when to extend the hand of cooperation and when to take a punch at the legislature.
Since this will be the most important strategic decision they make as Governor, the three candidates ought to be asked – and pushed – to talk about it.
New Governor, New Legislature, New Reality
2012-04-11/
Here’s a question that should come up in the Democratic gubernatorial candidates – a question no Democratic candidate for governor has ever been asked: How will you deal with a legislature controlled by Republicans?
The closest we came was 1996, when Jim Hunt was running for reelection and Republicans controlled the House. But Hunt had two years under his belt dealing with the House, and he had a Democratic majority in the Senate.
This is an altogether different kettle of fish.
The glib answer is: “I trust Democrats will get the legislature back.” But nobody believes that. So press on for a deeper answer.
In reality, a Democratic governor would have three tools: the veto, the bully pulpit and a bunch of appointments.
It’s unseemly – and illegal – to explicitly link appointments with legislative cooperation. So Governor Dalton, Etheridge or Faison would have to decide, first, how often to use the veto stamp. And they would have to decide when to extend the hand of cooperation and when to take a punch at the legislature.
Since this will be the most important strategic decision they make as Governor, the three candidates ought to be asked – and pushed – to talk about it.