The powers wielded by Governors somewhat from state to state, yet they are consistent enough to be insufficient on their own to explain why some governors enjoy a great deal of power and others are weaker. Powers, political climate and knowing how to govern all influence how a Governor performs in office.
One of the tools enjoyed by all Governors is the “Bully Pulpit” a term coined by President Theodore Roosevelt to describe the platform his job provided him to be heard on any topic and to pursue any agenda. (In the early 1900s, “Bully” meant excellent and not harasser as it does today). To further his influence Roosevelt issued daily press releases that included news, progress and political reports. To encourage reporters to attend these daily events, he created the first pressroom in the White House. Presidents and Governors have used this tool ever since. The skillful use of this Bully Pulpit is one way strong Governors are differentiated from weak Governors.
Alan Rosenthal, in his book “The Best Job in Politics” has a short list of lessons in leadership for Governors that includes; limit your agenda, choose competent people rather than loyal political supporters, collaborate with leaders from both parties, compromise and return to an issue later if needed, play both an “inside and outside game.” This last lesson is the “Bully Pulpit” that Roosevelt used so skillfully.
Governor Mark Dayton of Minnesota is one of the strong Governors who appreciates the position of Governor over the Senate Seat he previously held. His predecessor the former Governor Al Quie is one who suffered weakly through poor economic times in 1979 to 1982. Comparing these two Governors, both from the same state illustrates some of the points made by Alan Rosenthal. Governor Quie came to the Governor’s Seat via the U.S. House of Representatives where he enjoyed a long career that allowed him to rise to a position of influence with regard to education. Far from being able to build consensus with the legislative leadership for both parties, Governor Quie did not have the “inside game” that would have helped him deal with economic and budget issues. Governor Dayton on the other hand when confronted with a legislature controlled by the other party resigned himself to the fact that “in the playground of government, you don’t get to pick your playmates.” .
A more subtle influential power that Governors’ frequently wield is the ability to appoint judges. Judges interpret the law and affect how it is applied, for years after a particular piece of legislation has passed through the legislative process. In a sense, this does allow a Governor to choose playmates. Governors also appoint individuals to a wide variety of other positions as well. As Alan Rosenthal pointed out in his book “The Best Job in Politics”, it is better to appoint the most capable person to the job rather than a loyal political sycophant. Doing this adds to a Governor’s respect from both parties.
The power to propose and veto legislation is another important tool that a strong Governor uses wisely. When elected, a Governor has a mandate from the people to accomplish the promises made during the campaign. That entails proposing laws that are written and passed by the legislature and signed into law by the Governor. Even in an adverse political environment, a strong Governor can gain support from the people using the “Bully Pulpit”
Works Cited
Black, Eric. "Dayton is Exhibit A in event on governor as 'best job.'." 3 5 2012. MinnPost. 11 6 2012
Ivins, Moly. "Is Texas a Weak Governor State." 18 08 2000. On The Issues. 11 06 2012
Joiner, Gregory. "Gubernatorial Powers." 18 05 2000. Connecticut General Assembly. 11 06 201206
Rosenthal, Alan. The Best Job in Politics. Los Angeles: SAGE/CQ, 2012
