Good morning District 27. I know many of you have children or grandchildren back in school. School districts across the region started a new school year either last week or this week. I wish all the best for our students, teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and support staff who pitch in behind the scenes to enhance the overall learning environment.
Speaking of going back to school, I went back to “school” on Wednesday, sort of. Actually, I received a crash course from one of our state legislators who schooled me on how the senate leadership positions are selected. I mentioned to this legislator that I had been receiving some feedback from various legislators who are campaigning for leadership positions and asking for my support if I should be elected. This senior legislator informed me that it’s all about money and power. The lobbyists have the money to back or influence those who they want in leadership positions so that they can have the power. That was my lesson for the day.
Consequently, my opponent does not get to caucus with the political party that holds a super majority in Pierre. She is a Democrat, and I am a Republican. Hence, she does not have a say or voice to determine who gets to be the Senate majority leader and the Senate majority whip. These two positions come with a lot of power. What kind of power you may ask? Put it this way. Have you ever invited guests over for a dinner party? The Senate majority leader is like the host of the party who plans the menu or sets the agenda. The Senate whip is the person responsible for “carrying out the menu.” This person makes sure he or she has the number of votes to pass the bills identified “on the menu.” Hence, you better get in line if you want to sit at the table and partake in the menu that is served up by the special interest groups or corporate lobbyists. As you can see, this leaves the minority out in the cold and they really don’t have a say as to what is going to be served on the “menu.” Moreover, the minority party cannot propose an alternative “menu” since they are not in the majority. Only the host of the party decides what is on the menu. If you don't like what is being served at the party, then too bad, because that is just the way it is. That my fellow voters, is how power works in Pierre.
The only role the current incumbent state senator has is to cast a vote for or against a bill. She has very little influence or power when introducing new legislation as she does not caucus with the majority party who “sets the menu.” Therefore, if you want a say in who becomes the “host” at the party, may I offer up a suggestion? Invite a new guest to the party. His name is Anthony Kathol and he is running for state senate in District 27. He will make sure your voice is heard unlike my opponent because he will be able to caucus with the party in power. Once elected, he will hold the elected party leaders accountable and will not let the establishment or lobbyists take advantage of his vote, because he will remember who invited him to the party…and you thought getting educated stopped after high school. God bless.
