Politics in Albany

Sheriff, it s high noon on State Street

By Alfonse D'Amato

Friday, March 2, 2007

As evidenced by his effective tenure as attorney general, Eliot Spitzer is comfortable in the role of sheriff.

Continuing the role as governor, Spitzer intends to knock some heads, confront Albany gunslingers on Street State and use tough talk to get people s attention. It s obvious to every pundit, columnist and pollster that the governor is prepared to go toe-to-toe with members of the state Legislature in a strategy meant to disassemble Albany as we know it, and, so far, it s working beyond anyone s expectations. Most important, the public is buying it lock, stock and popularity polls.

It s not that individual state lawmakers aren t dedicated public servants. Most devote far more hours, and take far more abuse, than any salary will ever repay. However, the Legislature, as an institution, has become identified in the minds of voters as a creaky body, resistant to change and indifferent to the burden borne by taxpayers. The irony is that many lawmakers now being pilloried have voted for tax cuts or sought incentives for new jobs and businesses that helped cut the cost of government. Their constituents may approve of their individual legislative efforts, but as a collective body the Legislature is finding these same voters urging the governor to swing harder.

What the current political dynamics are revealing is that voters are angry and deeply frustrated with the status quo. They are scared about their ability to hold onto their homes, educate their children or maintain their quality of life. The governor has ridden this perfect storm right into office and intends to harness these gale force winds to reorder Albany priorities as he sees them.

The Legislature as a body, along with its individual members, is proud of its role as the third and equally independent branch of government. Historically, they have never cowered before the Executive Branch. Whether they are Democrat or Republican, these legislators are now facing a Hobson s choice on how to proceed in dealing with this governor s initiatives. If they delay his budget or stall on approving his cabinet appointees, the governor will characterize them as obstructionists who seek to deny the will of the voter. If they totally throw their lot in with the governor, they run the risk of abdicating their constitutional mandate to be an independent check-and-balance on administrative power.

There is one additional element rarely covered in the political science textbooks handed out in class. One cannot underestimate the enormous political power and influence a governor has, one that can create complete havoc for other elected officials of either party. Whether it is campaigning in someone s legislative district for a particular bill or launching a primary against a lawmaker, governors " especially popular governors " can put opponents on the ropes quickly and keep them there.

The New York State Legislature will need to determine its strategy in this new era, and they will need to do so quickly and with firm resolution. Editorial boards of various newspapers throughout New York are already heaping gallons of invective on them, not that those words may sway voters. What is perhaps more telling is the governor s use of new information technology to get his story out. Already, opinion-makers throughout the state are getting personal e-mail blasts from the governor.

It is a reflection of a multi-pronged campaign that didn t stop on Election Day.

You have to admit " not bad for a sheriff new to these parts.

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