Let me quickly dispel a myth – a “narrative” that us being spun by some – that “partisan gridlock” is the big problem in the State Capitol today. This simply isn't true. In fact, this idea would seem to support the idea that any solution for a problem that can be reached through bipartisan cooperation of some sort is a good solution.
The problem in Sacramento is not partisan gridlock, but rather it is decade after decade of liberals running up the tab on state spending. Yes, there are some issues that require a 2/3 vote, which means a token number of GOP votes are needed. But this process at best slightly tweaks already-cooked left wing policy.
In other words — the problems in state government have not and are not caused by “political parties” — but rather one political party. In the quest for reforms, the most obvious one is right in front of everyone — we need real Republican majorities in Sacramento.
By the way, the so-called “open primary” by our analysis, if passed, would actually lead to higher taxes and more fees and regulations. It's passage would do little to reduce the voratious appetite in the Capitol for spending more money, but likely would reduce the number of politicians opposed to seeing that happen.
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:00 am
Idon’t know how anyone can predict the outcome of a new way of electing legislators. Logic would indicate that if you are in a perpetual minority a change in the rules could only help you.
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:00 am
Although I tend to believe in this case the help would be caused by both parties having to learn to reach across to members of the other party.