Comments on: Putting their mouths where their money is – A Small Profile in Political Courage http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/ & Home of Lawn Mower Repair Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:19:22 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Pondering the Pay Raise » Doc’s Political Parlor http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/comment-page-1/#comment-3582 Pondering the Pay Raise » Doc’s Political Parlor Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:16:19 +0000 http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/#comment-3582 [...] A commenter here raises a point… [...] [...] A commenter here raises a point… [...]

]]> By: QEK http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/comment-page-1/#comment-2810 QEK Thu, 22 Mar 2007 13:26:10 +0000 http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/#comment-2810 Excellent point... Excellent point…

]]> By: Don http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/comment-page-1/#comment-2809 Don Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:41:08 +0000 http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/#comment-2809 If I understand the legislative procedures correctly and the governor’s salary was increased by the legislature while Riley was in office, he did vote for it in a way when he signed the bill when he could have vetoed it. If I understand the legislative procedures correctly and the governor’s salary was increased by the legislature while Riley was in office, he did vote for it in a way when he signed the bill when he could have vetoed it.

]]> By: Susan http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/comment-page-1/#comment-2802 Susan Thu, 22 Mar 2007 04:04:54 +0000 http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/#comment-2802 Chauncy--not so. Had there not been a few Republican votes for the raise, the Dems that either voted against it or abstained were ready to come in and make sure it passed. I am totally unconvinced by the "cost of living" argument. I might buy that if this were a full time Legislature, but this is a very part time job. I might have bought it if they had approved a smaller increase to take effect on the next quadrienneum. But not 62%. Not snuck through with a voice vote. Not until double dipping is really and truly outlawed. Chauncy–not so. Had there not been a few Republican votes for the raise, the Dems that either voted against it or abstained were ready to come in and make sure it passed. I am totally unconvinced by the “cost of living” argument. I might buy that if this were a full time Legislature, but this is a very part time job. I might have bought it if they had approved a smaller increase to take effect on the next quadrienneum. But not 62%. Not snuck through with a voice vote. Not until double dipping is really and truly outlawed.

]]> By: QEK http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/comment-page-1/#comment-2801 QEK Thu, 22 Mar 2007 02:06:44 +0000 http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/#comment-2801 I never implied that the Governor raised his own salary. But it is indeed fact that the Governor's salary went up $16,000 last year, hardly a gradual increase. I never implied that the Governor raised his own salary. But it is indeed fact that the Governor’s salary went up $16,000 last year, hardly a gradual increase.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/comment-page-1/#comment-2800 Anonymous Thu, 22 Mar 2007 01:49:11 +0000 http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/#comment-2800 You're the one who brought up the governor's salary. I'm simply pointing out that if it has gone up (and it has, but stretched out over the last 16 years, unlike our legislators' raise, which went up 62% in ONE DAY), don't try to make it sound like the governor raised it. You’re the one who brought up the governor’s salary. I’m simply pointing out that if it has gone up (and it has, but stretched out over the last 16 years, unlike our legislators’ raise, which went up 62% in ONE DAY), don’t try to make it sound like the governor raised it.

]]> By: QEK http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/comment-page-1/#comment-2798 QEK Thu, 22 Mar 2007 00:07:42 +0000 http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/#comment-2798 Well who is supposed to vote to increase legislative pay? Considering that the Legislature is the branch of government that passes legislation, it's a little disingenuous to suggest that there is another avenue for receiving any sort of pay increase. I am sure the Executive and Judicial branches appreciate the fact that they are never responsible for voting for their own pay raise. It certainly takes the pressure off of these particular public officials, especially since the Judicial branch has even outpaced the Executive branch in the raise department. I think they are making about 85% more than they were about 16 years ago. Well who is supposed to vote to increase legislative pay? Considering that the Legislature is the branch of government that passes legislation, it’s a little disingenuous to suggest that there is another avenue for receiving any sort of pay increase. I am sure the Executive and Judicial branches appreciate the fact that they are never responsible for voting for their own pay raise. It certainly takes the pressure off of these particular public officials, especially since the Judicial branch has even outpaced the Executive branch in the raise department. I think they are making about 85% more than they were about 16 years ago.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/comment-page-1/#comment-2797 Anonymous Wed, 21 Mar 2007 23:12:37 +0000 http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/#comment-2797 Big difference: The Governor does not vote for his own salary. If the Governor (any governor's) salary is increased, it is because the Legislature voted to increase it. Also don't forget, Riley voluntarily cut his pay when he came into office because of the budget deficit Alabama had at the time. Big difference: The Governor does not vote for his own salary. If the Governor (any governor’s) salary is increased, it is because the Legislature voted to increase it. Also don’t forget, Riley voluntarily cut his pay when he came into office because of the budget deficit Alabama had at the time.

]]> By: Susan http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/comment-page-1/#comment-2793 Susan Wed, 21 Mar 2007 20:56:34 +0000 http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/#comment-2793 Yeah, I've been wondering what was up with the Scott "I'm the only true conservative" Beeson's vote. I predict that he doesn't get out of the 2010 Republican primary because of this. Yeah, I’ve been wondering what was up with the Scott “I’m the only true conservative” Beeson’s vote. I predict that he doesn’t get out of the 2010 Republican primary because of this.

]]> By: Alabama Moderate http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/comment-page-1/#comment-2782 Alabama Moderate Wed, 21 Mar 2007 16:02:07 +0000 http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/#comment-2782 Beason had better hope that he doesn't have to answer to his constituents, as I am one, and I'm not happy with that particular move. His "gutsy" move could cost him dearly. I wouldn't call it "gutsy" so much as I'd call it "arrogance." Beason took out Biddle in the primaries, but neither McClendon nor Beason faced any opposition in the general election. There's only one way that they can regain my trust, and that would be by voting against HB322 and voting for HB331. If that doesn't happen, I will make it my mission until the next election to make sure that their "unopposed" status disappears. Beason had better hope that he doesn’t have to answer to his constituents, as I am one, and I’m not happy with that particular move. His “gutsy” move could cost him dearly. I wouldn’t call it “gutsy” so much as I’d call it “arrogance.” Beason took out Biddle in the primaries, but neither McClendon nor Beason faced any opposition in the general election. There’s only one way that they can regain my trust, and that would be by voting against HB322 and voting for HB331. If that doesn’t happen, I will make it my mission until the next election to make sure that their “unopposed” status disappears.

]]> By: Chauncey Sparks http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/comment-page-1/#comment-2781 Chauncey Sparks Wed, 21 Mar 2007 16:00:21 +0000 http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/#comment-2781 Susan, Had the 7 Republicans in the House not voted to override the veto, the governor's veto would have stood. So I feel it is correct to say, "Without the Republican votes, the pay raise would not have passed. ". Also notice that Jim Preuitt who was Riley's choice for Pro Tem voted for it, as did EB McClain who was the recipient of 12 republican votes to be Senate Pro Tem. Susan,
Had the 7 Republicans in the House not voted to override the veto, the governor’s veto would have stood. So I feel it is correct to say, “Without the Republican votes, the pay raise would not have passed. “.

Also notice that Jim Preuitt who was Riley’s choice for Pro Tem voted for it, as did EB McClain who was the recipient of 12 republican votes to be Senate Pro Tem.

]]> By: QEK http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/comment-page-1/#comment-2777 QEK Wed, 21 Mar 2007 15:30:19 +0000 http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/#comment-2777 Governor Riley makes $112,894 per year. In 1990 Governor Guy Hunt's salary topped out at $70,222 per year. That's a 60 percent increase in the past 17 years. Governor Riley makes $112,894 per year. In 1990 Governor Guy Hunt’s salary topped out at $70,222 per year. That’s a 60 percent increase in the past 17 years.

]]> By: QEK http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/comment-page-1/#comment-2776 QEK Wed, 21 Mar 2007 15:24:54 +0000 http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/#comment-2776 Umm...Check your math...53 votes were required to override the veto in the House. There were 7 Republican votes. 57 votes - 7 Republicans = 50 votes (i.e. not enough to override) Riley had the option of reducing the amount of the increase, considering he said yesterday that he believed that there was a need for the increase, just not the 62%. He chose not to do so. Umm…Check your math…53 votes were required to override the veto in the House. There were 7 Republican votes. 57 votes – 7 Republicans = 50 votes (i.e. not enough to override)
Riley had the option of reducing the amount of the increase, considering he said yesterday that he believed that there was a need for the increase, just not the 62%. He chose not to do so.

]]> By: Some Updates « The Alablawg http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/comment-page-1/#comment-2775 Some Updates « The Alablawg Wed, 21 Mar 2007 15:04:38 +0000 http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/#comment-2775 [...] Some Updates First, the raises. Here’s the list of  legislators who voted to override the Governor’s veto and give themselves a 62% pay increase.  My local rep - Patricia Todd - is, good for her, NOT on it. Reactions? For one side of the story, see this apology; for the other, see this vow of retribution. Here’sa first hand report of the unsuccessful protest in Montgomery. [...] [...] Some Updates First, the raises. Here’s the list of  legislators who voted to override the Governor’s veto and give themselves a 62% pay increase.  My local rep – Patricia Todd – is, good for her, NOT on it. Reactions? For one side of the story, see this apology; for the other, see this vow of retribution. Here’sa first hand report of the unsuccessful protest in Montgomery. [...]

]]> By: Susan http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/comment-page-1/#comment-2774 Susan Wed, 21 Mar 2007 15:01:23 +0000 http://www.politicalparlor.net/wp/2007/03/21/putting-their-mouths-where-their-money-is-%e2%80%93-a-small-profile-in-political-courage/#comment-2774 Chauncey--check your math. The over ride was passed 20-15 in the Senate. Without the two Republican votes it would have passed 18-17. Republican votes were, in fact, not needed to pass the pay raise. With a 57-41 vote in the House, the raise would have apssed without a single Republican vote. Do not lay the passage of this pay raise at the feet of Republicans. The stealth approval of the initial resolution was engineered by the Democratic leadership in both chambers. The sponsors of the resolutions were Democrats. I do not share your opinion that voting for this raise was either brave or necessary. It is unconscionable to provide legislators with a 62% raise--especially when so many of them are double dipping on the state payrolls. I think the Democrats have seriously underestimated the anger of Alabama's voters. And they have just given Republicans issue one for the 2010 election cycle. Chauncey–check your math. The over ride was passed 20-15 in the Senate. Without the two Republican votes it would have passed 18-17. Republican votes were, in fact, not needed to pass the pay raise. With a 57-41 vote in the House, the raise would have apssed without a single Republican vote. Do not lay the passage of this pay raise at the feet of Republicans. The stealth approval of the initial resolution was engineered by the Democratic leadership in both chambers. The sponsors of the resolutions were Democrats.

I do not share your opinion that voting for this raise was either brave or necessary. It is unconscionable to provide legislators with a 62% raise–especially when so many of them are double dipping on the state payrolls. I think the Democrats have seriously underestimated the anger of Alabama’s voters. And they have just given Republicans issue one for the 2010 election cycle.

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