Arizona State Senate chambers
Opinion: GOP senators are operating as though they got a big mandate in the last election, when they didn’t.
By Robert Robb | Arizona Republic
Republicans in the Arizona Senate are putting on a sorry display of representative government. And in so doing, making the case for eliminating any official role for parties in state elections and governance.
In November, voters sent 16 Republicans and 14 Democrats to the state Senate.
That left Republicans in control. But with such a closely divided result, the sensible course for Republicans to follow would have been this: Agree to work toward a united caucus on a few, highly significant issues. But on most things, let the body work its will, with all legislators free to vote without taking party into consideration.
That not only would have been the sensible and practical course. It is also the only course that respects the will of the voters in electing such a closely divided Senate.
Must all GOP lawmakers support all GOP bills?
That, however, isn’t the course Senate Republicans are taking. Instead, the ethos seems to be this: Any bill any Republican wants to pass should pass. And all other Republicans are obligated to support that bill, irrespective of how much of a turkey they might think it is.
