[SteveH]

Tom has demonstrated that he's willing to go against the leadership...

...in contrast to being willing to listen, consult with, and gain the trust of his constituency in working towards reducing taxing and spending in state government?

Which should take precedence?

[kingu]

...in contrast to being willing to listen, consult with, and gain the trust of his constituency in working towards reducing taxing and spending in state government?
Which should take precedence?

Whee, the people elect people in a representive government and those representives are who make and decide matters of law and policy. If you can't get anyone to go along with you on your issue, it doesn't matter how many of your home district are supportive, because your issues aren't going to get out of committee, if they even get that far.

Beyond, Tom's not a very good communicator. On most issues, he's not going to be able to convince the greater amount of the public to support his stand and put the pressure on the legislature. Yes, there are propositions, but if the bad laws aren't made in the first place, then it is a non-issue.

Let's look at the reality of our political process.. Tom doesn't negociate, he dictates, and dictating to a hostile legislature isn't going to do anyone any good.