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* As we’ve discussed before, the National Conference of State Legislatures is holding its big annual meeting in Chicago next week. Check out this discussion on Thursday, called Balancing the Powers of Governors…

Legislatures often fare poorly when taking on the governor–the deck seems stacked in favor of the executive branch. Alan Rosenthal, the leading academic expert on state legislatures, advises legislative leaders on how to work with governors and play a consultative role in shaping their agendas. His new book, “The Best Job in Politics,” examines why governors are so successful at achieving their goals. He will be signing copies of his book, which will be available for purchase, right after the session.

I think Illinoisans can probably skip that one. Or maybe the governor could send a spy to see why other states have such powerful chief executives.

Discuss.

…Adding… But here’s one that could be useful. Campaigning to Governing and Back Again…

Staff, especially partisan and personal staff, often are working for the legislature by day and campaigning by night. Learn best practices on managing the state work/campaign work divide. Debate case studies demonstrating the ethical dilemmas inherent in serving in this dual role. Learn tips to help get you through the election and back through the capitol door.

* Facilitator: Peggy Kerns, NCSL
* Panelists: Patrick Fuller, Assembly Chief Clerk’s Office, Wisconsin Legislature
* Tim Mapes, Office of the Speaker, Illinois General Assembly
* Naomi Miller, Texas House of Representatives
* Natalie O’Donnell Wood, NCSL

Emphasis added, for obvious reasons.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Aug 1, 12 @ 2:55 pm

Comments

What, Mike Tristano wasn’t available?

Also, I’ve been waiting for a shout-out to Patty Bellock who was recently named a best legislator by ALEC.

NCSL = everything that is good about state legislatures. ALEC = everything that is wrong with state legislatures.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Aug 1, 12 @ 3:24 pm
== Or maybe the governor could send a spy to see why other states have such powerful chief executives. ==

First, I’m not exactly sure that’s true. Texas, for example, has a notoriously week governor.

What was Schwarzenegger able to accomplish? Not enough, apparently.

Cuomo is the potent for sure. But his predecessors? Not really.

Secondly, I think it was either Charlie Washburn or Paul Green who once wrote:

“When the Legislature is in session, the Speaker is the most powerful man in Illinois.”

He wasn’t speaking of Madigan personally, and that was back when Chicago’s mayor was at the height of his popularity, and before City Hall and the Governor’s office had their wings clipped by the feds.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Aug 1, 12 @ 5:09 pm
Emphasis added in bold, as is totally appropriate for the speaker.

Comment by amalia Wednesday, Aug 1, 12 @ 5:31 pm