We are witnessing the implosion of the Republican party right before our eyes

[loyalsister]

40. MO could have been ground zero for this

In fact, MO may have been ground zero for a lot of this crap beginning in 2003 when republicans gained majorities in both chambers. What followed was chaos not unlike what we have seen in congress.

When term limits kicked in in MO, we had a new class with tons of first time reps. They were a lot like the tea partiers in their naivete and devil may care attitudes. They didn't "waste time" trying to get along with Democrats because they weren't invested enough in the job to gather allies.

In 2005, they lpassed Medicaid cuts that actually eliminated funding for optional services, including ambulatory oxygen. It was overturned in the SC. They passed a photo ID bill in 2006 that was also overturned. They went nuts with poison pills, and passing unconstitutional laws to gather symbolic votes to hold against Dems. ie Banning all picketing at military funerals, etc. We were one of the first states to pass a Marriage bigotry amendment in 2004.

They were also absolutely hateful. The difference between the the term limited GA has been so depressing.

It was so much like the tea party the first couple of years and has since settled into true red state governing. The important difference is term limits and the fact that republican spending on elections is out of control and dominated by Rex Singquefield.

In the house we have 163 districts with around 30,000 people in each. Thus there are far enough suburban and rural districts to overpower the small number of districts in the more progressive areas in the cities. Unfortunatel they have made inroads to bringing pieces of cities into surrounding rural districts and it has been very effective.

So, inexperienced legislators took over and made every effort they could to pass the most radical legislation possible. They repealed all campaign limits and having Rex Singquefield has put Dems at a funding disadvantage similar to that of our congress people. Sadly, republicans have expanded their majority and it has gotten worse.

With term limits, we have an endless stream of self interested fools (whose agenda was to make it as difficult as possible) looking for a line on their resume for a golden parachute lobbyist position.

Back when it first started there was gossip that there were national people behind it. I wonder if that was happening in other states?

So, on one hand, I worry that it could get worse. On the other hand, the fact that congress is not term limited gives me hope that the electorate will be sick of it enough that you are correct.