Even Cowgirls Get the Boos

If a governor introduces a measure so poorly received that it provokes boos from legislators, is that the mark of a governor that is out of touch with political realities? Or is it politically savvy? Or let me ask it another way…

Are Riley’s multiple clashes in this election year meant to demonstrate to conservative voters that he will stand up for them? Whether his confrontations are civil (like vetos that will be overridden) or less so (coming into a legislative hearing to call legislators’ comments “nuts” and “ridiculous”), winning them may be less important than fighting the good fight against the right opponents.

Riley may be eager to reassure voters who may hold his Amendment One tax reform proposal against him that he is on the right side of the issues. For one, Rep. Richard Lindsey believes “Riley’s attempt to change the education budget was an election-year stunt.”

If so, legislators’ boos may be welcome. In fact, overcoming the boos may not be as important as getting them.