Frustrated Democratic governors find ways to sidestep GOP

[TexasTowelie]

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers tried for months to get the Republican-controlled Legislature to take up a pair of gun control bills, holding news conferences and touting polls showing strong public support. When Republicans wouldn't budge, Evers turned up the heat by turning to other powers of his office, using an executive order — his 54th in less than a year — to call a special session on the issue.

"We need an up or down vote," Evers said. "We have to get this done, folks."

Evers isn't the only frustrated Democratic governor looking for ways to get around Republican majorities firmly against their agenda. Turning to executive orders is reminiscent of the growing use of similar power by President Donald Trump, and Barack Obama before him, to accomplish their goals without lawmakers' agreement.

In Wisconsin, North Carolina and other states, governors are getting creative to advance their agendas, with varying degrees of success. Evers' use of his broad veto power has so angered Republicans they've filed a lawsuit and trying to amend the state constitution to block the governor.

Read more: https://www.americanpress.com/news/national/frustrated-democratic-governors-find-ways-to-sidestep-gop/article_f0653dbb-d214-5ce2-a055-8e958d007f47.html
(Lake Charles American Press)

[DAMANgoldberg]

1. I know this is an AP story...

presumably available to any member paper who wants it, but it's interesting that a Lake Charles LA newspaper is where you found this story (and BTW didn't add John Bel Edwards to the list, who is a similarly described situation). This should be a story tailor-made for the Wisconsin Stae Journal in Madison or even the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

[2naSalit]

2. They didn't mention Steve Bullock either

and he has been dealing with an R legislature for twp terms. He went around them to get us into the ACA's extended medicaid which meant more than half of the state's population could have health insurance for the first time. I was working as a GS05 and I qualified for medicaid, so it was a really good thing. We also got medical marijuana, one of the first states to go there, we had to vote on it through three elections along with a state SC battle but we finally got it. Still have fights with the legislature about that but they won't be able to dial it back now that it's been here for several years now.

Steve Bullock is worth listening to. He's not getting much traction in the polls but he's had to work with and sround the RWers for two terms already. I don't agree with everything he does but he's been a good governor making gains with near total opposition. If not president, he'd be a good consideration for a Cabinet position.

I wonder what the field of candidates will look like come super Tuesday.

[TexasTowelie]

3. Any candidate that has not been awarded any delegates after Super Tuesday

should withdraw from the race. I can envision that some of the candidates within the top 10 may be in that predicament.

[2naSalit]

4. That's why I'm waiting to make up my mind.

There are so many right now that it's hard for all of them to gain traction in the news, for one thing. I agree that if they are flailing by then, they definitely need to give it up.