Monday, January 25, 2010
Breaking News / Woods Morning Roundup: All Hail the Lame-Duck Governor
Posted by Jeff Woods on Mon, Jan 25, 2010 at 6:28 AM
The governor wins praise for enacting his education reform package in only two weeks--all as a lame duck. House Democratic caucus chair Mike Turner: "His legislative team was probably as good as I've ever seen them. They were Johnny-on-the-spot when we needed them." Think all that federal cash on the line had anything to do with the governor's success? ... Lundberg explains his no vote: Tying higher ed funding to graduation rates is bad idea and could water down the value of a degree. Rick Locker analyzes education reform's unlikely allies. ... Community college students say they like the higher ed changes:
Lawmakers have introduced 400 new bills. Why did it take them so long to realize we should ban the sale of synthetic urine? ... The regular session opens with a dire budgetary picture. House Dem caucus chair Mike Turner: "We'll probably try to get in here and get a balanced budget ... without hurting too many people."
State attorney general is asked to explain how Supreme Court campaign finance ruling affects the state's ban on corporate contributions. ... Nathan Vaughn picks up a petition to challenge Tony Shipley in the House. ... The grand opening of the switchgrass plant is upon us. ... Is the New Madrid fault shutting down as a generator of major quakes?
Gaylord thinks about how to expand its business, including the possible return of a theme park. ... After the convention center vote, is a property tax hike politically impossible? ... Ken Whitehouse handicaps the governor's race. ... David Davis takes a poll, messes with Phil Roe on abortion. ... A.C. Kleinheider on the political nihilism of Harold Ford Jr. ... Ford writes a New York Times oped to tell how Democrats can win back independent voters. ... RNC upsets Tennessee Democrats by sending a fund-raising mailer disguised as a Census questionnaire:
The mailing, which comes in a white envelope marked "DO NOT DESTROY, OFFICIAL DOCUMENT," is labeled with an eight-digit "tracking code" and contains a four-page form with 36 questions on personal politics, domestic issues and national defense. At the end of the questionnaire is a request for a donation between $25 and $500.
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