Riley & Beason’s Marriage of Convenience
Our Republican Governor Riley has not been particularly cozy with state Sen. Scott Beason (R - Gardendale). So I was intrigued that the Associated Press story yesterday said,
…[L]egislation pushed by Republican Gov. Bob Riley was introduced that would force dozens of lawmakers to resign from their state jobs or the Legislature. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Micky Hammon, R-Decatur, and Sen. Scott Beason, R-Gardendale.
Beason was sponsoring legislation that Riley was pushing? Is this a sign of a spring thaw? I asked, is there some bridge-building going on here?
One GOP insider:
As for the bridge building I think Beason was one of the few Senators who would dare carry the bill. It was more a marriage of convenience than actual bridge building. Beason is known as very hostile to Gov. Riley and this bill does little to change that.
Another GOP politico:
[Beason] needs something to show his fiscal conservatism after voting to override Riley’s veto of the pay raise. I think Riley wants to keep Beason close rather than alienate or freeze him out completely.
Beason is sponsoring 3 bills from Riley’s “Plan 2010″ agenda. Doesn’t sound like much of a feud to me.
Comment by Anonymous — April 13, 2007 @ 11:05 am
I don’t think I would characterize it as a feud. So on that point, I agree.
People can have severe political differences and not be feuding. And people who have differences can find some common ground.
Comment by Danny — April 13, 2007 @ 5:22 pm