The Gang of Five

Governor Perdue says you can “take it to the bank” that the five Democrats who voted for the House budget will be with her in a veto fight.
 
She should be right. And this will be a test of her political muscle.
 
I ask myself: What would Jim Hunt do? Back in the old days, he would unleash John A. Williams and Joe Pell. If you don’t know who they are, read my book. Suffice it to say they would have the Gang of Five in line in no time.
 
What will Bev do? First, carrots: Figure out what each of the five got in the budget for their votes, then top it. Second, the stick: How many teachers and state employees in their districts would be laid off? What other state goodies would be lost – or could the Governor take away? And how do African-American voters in their primaries feel about their votes?
 
Of course, she doesn’t need all five. Just one or two is enough. And once any one of the five suspects that another has abandoned ship, it will be a race to the rescue boats.
 
As the politically incorrect old boys would say, it’s nut-cuttin’ time.
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Gary Pearce

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The Gang of Five

Governor Perdue says you can “take it to the bank” that the five Democrats who voted for the House budget will be with her in a veto fight.
 
She should be right. And this will be a test of her political muscle.
 
I ask myself: What would Jim Hunt do? Back in the old days, he would unleash John A. Williams and Joe Pell. If you don’t know who they are, read my book. Suffice it to say they would have the Gang of Five in line in no time.
 
What will Bev do? First, carrots: Figure out what each of the five got in the budget for their votes, then top it. Second, the stick: How many teachers and state employees in their districts would be laid off? What other state goodies would be lost – or could the Governor take away? And how do African-American voters in their primaries feel about their votes?
 
Of course, she doesn’t need all five. Just one or two is enough. And once any one of the five suspects that another has abandoned ship, it will be a race to the rescue boats.
 
As the politically incorrect old boys would say, it’s nut-cuttin’ time.
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Gary Pearce

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