Although Gov. Napolitano is far
too centrist on many issues for my liberal tastes, its nice having a Dem governor that will at least fight for some of the values I believe in. It could be much worse, especially in a state as
red as this.
So I will forgive her somewhat centrist leanings, as it is simply a political necessity to maneuver the minefields in enemy territory, at least if you hope to survive for more than one term.
And other democratic governors could learn a lesson from Napolitano as she positions herself for re-election in 2006. Like this brilliant move...
Napolitano nixing raise could pay dividends
Low salary may scare off '06 GOP hopefuls
by Chip Scutari
The Arizona Republic
When Gov. Janet Napolitano holds a cabinet meeting, she's the lowest-paid person in the room.
And she apparently wants to keep it that way, turning down a $65,000 pay raise last year in what could be one of the shrewdest political moves she ever made.
Political insiders say Napolitano's decision to reject the hefty salary increase already has had an impact on the 2006 political scene. Republicans are having trouble recruiting a gubernatorial candidate, and some say the salary and the lack of a governor's mansion are part of the problem
This makes complete sense among the money-grubbing ranks of the GOP.
"I think it clearly has kept some Republicans from running," GOP strategist nathan Sproul said. "No question about it. We exclude an entire population of people who would make excellent governors, simply because the salary is too low."
Napolitano makes $95,000 per year, which is a respectable salary, but certainly pales in comparison to what could be made in the private sector. And we all know how much elephants are drawn to cold hard cash. It defines their very being.
Other red (and blue) state Dem governors should follow Napolitano's lead. Its a winning proposition.