Some People Never Learn

So let's see.  In 2003, after Republicans had retaken control of the state Senate to go with their control of the state House, they did things like introduce a bill to re-redistrict the federal congressional districts to their partisan advantage, without giving any notice to the Democrats, then ramming it through during the last days of the session with no debate on a straight party line vote.  Voters, disgusted with the GOP's failure to focus on the state's fiscal crisis, tossed them out in droves and gave the Democrats control of both houses.  Democrats flex their muscles once in control by . . . deciding to give Republicans some committee vice chairmanships in the Senate.  Or at least that's what incoming Senate majority leader Ken Gordon is said to be considering.

Now I don't think the voters want the Democrats to come in and exercise the same kind of extreme partisanship that the Republicans showed when they were in control.  But if you ask me, this is going too far.  Getting control of the House and Senate gives Democrats a chance to show how we would govern the state.  Giving some of that control back to the Republicans sends the message that we don't really think we're ready, or capable, of governing.  And I agree with Gordon's critics who point out Democratic activists did not pour out their hearts working for the party's state level candidates so they could install Republicans in important positions.  One has to wonder, is the soon-to-be-term limited Gordon thinking about what is best for the party he is supposed to be leading as it attempts to re-establish itself as a viable alternative to the GOP in this state, or is he thinking about positioning himself as a centrist for a possible run at statewide office?

Surely he can't imagine that the Republicans would ever consider reciprocating if and when they get back in power in one of the branches of the legislature.

Comments

[Carol]

argh! argh! argh!

Why do the Democrats act like we women do! Why do they believe in fair play! why do they believe in winning graciously and giving a helping hand to the loser!

You note the exclamation points. Womena dn Democrats play by the stated rules. Everyone else plays by the real rules. Democrats remind me of the Red Coats gallantly fighting agsint the clever Americans who didn't wear uniforms (anyone want to use the words "armed insurgents"?). We should be treating the current Republicans as they would treat us, unfairly, because if they're going to whine, they should have something to whine about.

[Emma Anne]

Is there a possibility that Gordon is getting some kind of concession or advantage for this? Because otherwise it just seems stupid and weak.

Carol this is worse than playing by the stated rules. It's modifying the rules to our disadvantage.

[Ralph]

I don't think it hurts to show a little bipartisanship.

It also gives Gordon some leverage against individual Republicans. Giving moderate Republicans a share of the power says that Democrats are interested in leadership rather than bickering.

Be nice to Republicans, send them a nice Christmas Card.

Keep your friends close to you. Keep your enemies closer.