( - promoted by Clem Guttata)
by: The Rufus
Tomblin has undercut his own argument that there should not be an election until 2012. Tomblin's deep involvement in the current debate in the Senate over proposed rule changes proves perfectly why there should be a special election for Governor as soon as possible- to protect the separation of powers between branches of government.
Tomblin could have cleanly cut a political deal with the Kessler camp but has instead allowed his former leadership team to wage a war against Kessler that threatens the sanctity of the Democratic Caucus.
Foolishly, Tomblin found himself voting in caucus proceedings and making public comments supporting the status quo of his dual authority to appoint leadership in the Senate and serve as acting Governor.
Making matters worse, Tomblin appears to have given Kessler some type of assurance that he would support the rule change allowing the Senate to select a Senate President Pro Tempore under these most extraordinary of circumstances and has since, apparently, tried to back out of that deal.
It is likely that Tomblin is feeling a lot of pressure from the core of his own leadership group that faces the strong chance of being kicked to the back row of the Senate as leadership changes. Particularly folks like Truman Chafin, Walt Helmick, and Joe Minard are at risk of losing a lot of power in this shift.
Beyond that, do not think that there is not a stark difference between the moderates in the Kessler camp and the conservatives in the Chafin-Minard camp. Minard has even called the Kessler camp labor friendly liberals, which while not a bad thing in my opinion is an exaggeration of facts. Those in the Kessler camp are moderate progressives, many with interesting ideas on how to change the status quo in the State. They are not, however, left wing.
I have read on the Blue blog that some think a special election to be too costly. Perhaps it is costly but the alternative is a fundamental breakdown in long held democratic practices via the checks and balances in our wonderful Democratic system. Those that have defended Earl Ray Tomblin's ability to be acting Governor under the premise that he will take a hands off approach to proceedings in the WV Senate have been proven wrong.
Tomblin should call a special election immediately and Senator Kessler should take control of the Senate until a special election is held. Otherwise, maybe the group of 17 should rethink their vote and push Kessler into the acting Governor role, a move would result in a quick special election and the protection of the sanctity of democratic ideals. |
