All the contents
Year 1995
Proposed Conference of the States - Includes related articles The 'Conference of the States' was conceived as a means to bring the states together and restore the balance of power between states and the federal government. However, a coalition of rightist groups led by Colorado Sen. Charles Duke has succeeded in delaying the planned gathering. The coalition, which includes the John Birch Society and Ross Perot's United We Stand, among others, has succeeded in defeating the conference proposal in 20 states. Proponents of the conference have vowed to redo...
California Assembly Speaker Willie Brown California Assembly Speaker Willie Brown recently surprised many observers by choosing GOP Assemblywoman Doris Allen as his successor. With the support of 39 Democrats, Allen managed to win the post despite the stiff opposition of her partymates. In exchange, Allen had agreed to vote in favor of Democrat-sponsored rule changes which would increase the power of the minority leader, which now happens to be Brown.
New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson's extensive use of his veto power Many political observers had expected New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson to be subservient to state lawmakers because of his lack of political experience. However, Johnson has proven to be more than a match to New Mexico legislators and he has managed to keep to his agenda. This is reflected in his veto of 200 out of the 424 bills submitted to his office, fact which has not endeared him to both his opponents and partymates.
Nevada Assembly - Includes related articles The Nevada Assembly faced a quandary in 1994 when election results showed that membership was evenly split 21-21 between GOP and Democratic members. After two months of wrangling and partisan maneuvering, observers were surprised when both sides managed to craft a power-sharing agreement which created two co-speakers of the Assembly. They were even more surprised by the cooperation and collegiality this agreement has brought to the Assembly.
Indiana House - Includes related articles Indiana House Democrats did not allow their minority status to get in the way when GOP Speaker Paul S. Mannweiler proposed the reduction of House membership from 100 to 99 and the redistricting of the state to reflect this change. They decided to stage a walkout, effectively denying Mannweiler the quorum required by the state Constitution and thus halting all action on the House floor. The strategy succeeded and Mannweiler was forced to abandon his controversial proposal.
Revival in the Arkansas House.
Many were surprised when a low-profile member of the Arkansas House succeeded in pushing for rule changes which would overhaul the whole General Assembly. Rep. Bobby L. Hogue, who had become House Speaker under Arkansas' seniority system, had quietly prodded colleagues from both parties to come up with the rule changes. Hogue's success has earned him the admiration of many and he was recently re-elected as Speaker, the first one to enjoy the honor since 1940.
So much to do, so little time.
State term limits - Includes related article onthe US Supreme Court decision on congressional term limits The concept of term limits has become immensely popular with the American public. This distaste for long-serving incumbents has prompted some 20 states to impose term limits laws for their lawmakers and other elective officials. However, many are now questioning the wisdom of the concept. Incumbents argue that it hinders their effectiveness as decisions are often made under time pressure. In addition, the years of experience and political savvy simply become wasted when they reach the compuls...
