Tuesday, 22 April 2008
Beshear and Partisan Politics
« Best Buy Dumps Lexmark's Ink Jet Printers | Main | Earth Day - Bleh »I was amused that Beshear bemoaned partisan politics as the primary reason for failure in this year's legislative session. While I disagree with his assessment of the problem let's assume he is right. Partisanship killed the session. What does Beshear do to help improve the bipartisan relationship in Frankfort?
He removes two late Republican Fletcher appointments saying they were not properly confirmed in the session. Even though both met the constitutional mandate of being confirmed by the Senate. Let's check the Kentucky Constitution to make sure.
Inferior state officers and members of boards and commissions, not specifically provided for in this Constitution, may be appointed or elected, in such manner as may be prescribed by law, which may include a requirement of consent by the Senate, for a term not exceeding four years, and until their successors are appointed or elected and qualified.
Seems pretty clear to me. In fact both Fletcher appointments were confirmed by unanimous consent in the Senate. At the same time, Fletcher's late term Democratic appointment magically gets to keep his appointment. Hmmm.
Let's put aside the legal aspect for a minute. Even if we assume that what Beshear did was legal, there is no doubt that his actions are anything less than partisan politics. There is no other way to look at it. He removed Republicans while keeping Democrats. It doesn't get any more partisan than that.
I am glad to see Beshear is diligently working to improve the bi-partisanship in Frankfort. Especially after decrying the effects of partisanship in the session.
