Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Public can expect gridlock in state politics next year
Fresno Bee ^ | December 18, 2005 | Jim Boren

Posted on 12/18/2005 2:42:12 PM PST by Amerigomag

With California's "year of reform" skidding off the runway because of pilot error, the cynical view of the Golden State may be the only one that makes sense: The state is dysfunctional, ungovernable and worse, the public doesn't really seem to care. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has admitted that he bungled last month's special election. His political low standing has emboldened special interests and left legislative Democrats feeling secure that they can duck the state's toughest problems.

The year of reform will be followed by the 2006 election when almost every state office will be on the ballot. Politicians running for office will be pandering for votes, while ignoring the problems that have damaged the quality of life in California. "It's going to be shenanigans as usual," said David Schecter, a political science professor at California State University, Fresno.

One hint that Schecter is correct is a prominent listing on the California Democratic Party's Web site titled "Stop Arnold." But Schwarzenegger has bigger problems with conservative Republicans questioning his loyalty to the GOP because he named Democrat Susan Kennedy as his chief of staff. "They think Schwarzenegger has morphed into Gray Davis," Schecter said.

So this is what we have in Sacramento going into the election year: a governor not trusted by his party, not to mention the opposition party; the Democratic-led Legislature content to let public employee unions call the shots on state policy; a citizenry that doesn't want to get its hands dirty by holding either party accountable. California will continue to deteriorate unless changes are made. To get better representation, two things are needed: The state's redistricting system must be reformed and voters must pay attention.

(Excerpt) Read more at fresnobee.com ...


TOPICS: US: California
KEYWORDS: california; calreform; gridlock
Boren is a center-left columnits for the Fresno Bee. Reconizing the demograhic advantage for Democrats, he's always encouraging electoral participation which is a helping hand for center-left policy in California.
1 posted on 12/18/2005 2:42:13 PM PST by Amerigomag
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: Amerigomag

The people of this state will never learn until we descend into bankruptcy.


2 posted on 12/18/2005 3:38:28 PM PST by SDGOP
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Amerigomag
I don't mind. Better gridlock than the alternative. A pox on all their houses. They screw things up left to their own devices.

(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie.Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")

3 posted on 12/19/2005 10:30:47 AM PST by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives On In My Heart Forever)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson