Yesterday, the Governor took a stand and demanded that the Democratic controlled legislature pull back all the bills on his desk until they get their act together and work with Republicans on key issues like water. The Democrats response: use Vietnam Veterans as a trial balloon to test the Governor. "I dare the governor to veto this bill," Assembly Democratic Majority Leader Albert Torrico childishly stated before the close of Tuesday’s session.
Everyone knows there are several issues where I don’t see eye to eye with the Governor, but I support his decision to veto this commemorative resolution 100% and Republicans should not even entertain the idea of an override for two key reasons.
First, we must use every piece of leverage available to force Democrats to give Republicans a seat at the table on major issues. What the Governor did yesterday was to send a powerful signal to Democrats – “Give us a seat at the table for a water package or expect all your bills to come back with a fat veto stamp.” (Frankly, I would love it if the Governor vetoed every single bill regardless.)
Second, we cannot allow Democrats to use a Veterans commemorative resolution as a pawn to open the floodgate to override other bills the Governor will veto…Card Check anyone? This is a lesson in “be careful who you get in bed with.".
Listen, bottom line is that the Governor supports this commemorative resolution and will sign it after the water package is completed, but if we’re to deliver a water package that includes components that are important to Republicans, we must stand by the Governor’s veto threat and not drink the veto override Kool Aid.
During the last several months, Republicans and the Governor have stood up to the Democrats to succeed on a number of issues including the last budget, which was passed without raising taxes. Now is the time to work on California’s most imminent dilemma – the water crisis – not to play games of truth or dare, not to use Vietnam Vets as political pawns.
September 9th, 2009 at 12:00 am
If the Democratic Party puts the Vietnam Vets as pawns, Harvey Milk Day should be vetoed. Maybe we could put Harvey Milk hostage.
September 9th, 2009 at 12:00 am
Actually, it is Assemblymember Cook, very much of a Republican, who is most upset with the Governor’s veto.
If anyone used this legislation as a pawn, it is the Governor who has no clue (after five years) how to deal with either Republicans or Democrats in the Legislature.
Last time I checked, the Governor is the Governor, not a King. Fortunately the framers of our constitution provided checks and balances. And like it or not, the Democrats in the Legislature are a majority. And they are working in concert with Republicans on a water package — despite the fact that any bond will eat into education, health care, and other programs.
The Governor has once again misplayed his hand in dealing with the Legislature. And the result is that Californians have little faith in him or the legislature.