It is clear the Governor has told the Democratic legislative leadership to tone down the politics, and both parties want to appear reasonable, at least at the start of the session. But this is the Stock Show season, and we can expect thrills and falls in the arena.
Nonetheless, a subdued leadership talked more about floods and fires than guns and gays this year. Bipartisanship extended to a frequent mentioning of Republican legislators in Democrats’ opening speeches.
It likely won’t last as there are real differences on the issues, powerful constituencies that want their just deserts and an election for control in November. Even as the Democrats try to hold down the drama, guns, renewable energy mandates, fracking and election rules will be back by Republicans, with new efforts on workman’s compensation and other special interest legislation from Democrats.
The Governor, of course, would just like to get to May 7 with some modest accomplishment that has a patina of bipartisanship and no damage. His emphasis on good management and consensus-type issues, such as disaster relief, is good politics as he tries to reset his image as a cautious moderate. But, the expectations are much higher this year. He must set an agenda and manage conflict, not easy after the Democratic Party’s cowboy-style session in 2013.
It’s off to the Stock Show.
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