Donald Trump and Republican fortunes may be sinking and Speaker Paul Ryan is obviously worried, but recent Polls suggest that a Clinton presidency and a Paul Ryan-led House are possible. A Washington Post reporter recently pondered whether these two branches of government would be able to work together? The “it depends” answer recognizes that the ability to work together is not so much in the hands of these two leaders, but depends on what their subordinate constituencies will allow them to do.
The Washington Post reporter continues that Ryan’s ability to govern responsibly depends on what David Brat and the Freedom Caucus will allow him to negotiate. Brat has a strong record of voting against the House leadership and common-sense legislation. He was part of the block that destroyed the career of John Boehner. He was one of 30-plus Freedom Caucus votes against Paul Ryan, the former Republican vice presidential candidate, becoming Speaker of the House. On the legislative side of things, Brat voted against the recent continuing resolution to fund the government until December. If he had been in the majority, his vote would have shut down the government right before these elections. This move would have allowed Donald Trump, with whom Brat is close, more ammunition for his “rigged election” conspiracy.
The most exceptional part of the governmental system that the Founding Fathers created was the idea of checks and balances. Brat is a considerable stumbling block to good governance because he is willing to force the House not to cooperate with other branches of government. Virginia can avoid Brat’s destructive approach to government by giving full-throated support to his challenger Eileen Bedell, BedellforVirginia. The local press says many good things about this practical, centrist Democrat who, as a lawyer, has already represented the problems of average citizens. With only a few days to go, Bedell is closing in on Brat’s fading numbers. Financial support for Bedell now would make Hillary’s job easier and America’s future brighter. To donate to her campaign, click HERE. And to pitch in personally to help get her across the finish line, click HERE.
