Anna Nicole Smith. Enough said. Back to the real world.
The Georgia Legislature continues its steady march. Governor Sonny Perdue, Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle and Speaker Glenn Richardson have worked hard to accomplish much with little fanfare. Of course, as most insiders know, the real tests come in the final days when the tough decisions have to be made. Undoubtedly, some of the toughest decisions will involve the budget. Notably, this legislature may be defined as much by what it was not as opposed to what it was.
The 2007 Georgia General Assembly has not been about division. While so called "hot button" issues are no less important, they have not dominated the agenda. Instead, much of the focus has been on matters that bring Georgia together as opposed to issues that tear Georgia apart. There are a couple of explanations for this development.
Many would argue that one big reason is because the Republican controlled legislature backed by a Republican governor have already tackled these issues. When the Republicans first captured control, they made no secret of their intent to move on tough issues that were at the top of their agenda - such as photo ID and tort reform. Having delivered, they have now moved on to less sensational items (at least from the perspective of the media).
The issues are no less difficult (and probably much more challenging). Yet, they do not set the stage for back-drop made-for-television political antics. Of course, it is also true that this is not an election year. So, the interest of partisans is not as keen as it might be if control of the governorship or legislature was at issue in November.
No doubt, Georgia legislators noticed what happened when the Republican majority in Washington, D.C. strayed too far from the reasons they were elected. It is unlikely that they will make the same mistake here.
Some part of it has to be experience. Certainly, Governor Perdue and Speaker Richardson have become much more effective with each passing year. Both have a better sense of what they can accomplish, and what they cannot. Within the Georgia House, Glenn Richardson has proven himself to be a reliable, smart, and effective leader. No one should underestimate his ability, determination, stamina, or intellect. Like Senator Sam Ervin, he may appear to be just a poor old country lawyer. He is much more.
Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle's emergence has also made a difference. After all, he did replace the Democratic Lieutenant Governor Mark Taylor. With a Democrat presiding over a Republican chamber, things were not going to be smooth. But the difference is much more than that. Casey Cagle's approach and demeanor has made a material difference.
Of course, there will be some challenging moments in the weeks to come as the General Assembly touches some emotionally charged issues. But, regardless of the issue (judicial pay raises, Sunday wine sales or any of the others), no one has shied away from dealing with the issues before them.
Once sine die comes, there will be plenty of opportunity to grade the accomplishments of the 2007 Georgia General Assembly. It would frankly be premature to do so any sooner. For now, the governing majority appears to be doing exactly what they set out to do - governing, without fanfare and with discipline. When it comes to governing, bold does not have to be loud.