Perdue Scores a Coup With Gibson
Political observers were a bit surprised when Governor Perdue announced that her new legislative lobbyist will be Representative Pryor Gibson. The Anson County Democrat has been one of the legislature’s top leaders, previously serving as co-chair of the House Finance Committee. In Gibson, Perdue is getting an experienced negotiator who has demonstrated experience in building coalitions. He is also widely recognized as a highly effective fundraiser for House Democrats.
What does this signal? Most observers believe it indicates Perdue will be looking to find solutions rather than picking fights on Jones Street. He has demonstrated that he can be independent and his maturity will add gravitas to the likes of Britt Cobb and other senior advisers to Perdue, if she will listen to them.
There has been more speculation as to why Gibson might accept the new role. Some think it an acknowledgment that Republicans might be in charge of the legislature for some time to come and Gibson’s leadership role might therefore be limited. None doubt this was a very positive move by Governor Perdue.
I looked into Mr. Gibson's voting record and found that he voted for the Durham County Meals Tax, voted against the Balanced Budget Act, and voted against Lobbying restrictions. Otherwise, he has voted with the DNC every time. He was also a "no-show vote" on several key issues such as Parental Choice HB88, and the Smoking Ban HB2. Other than this, I do not know much about him. He might be a very nice guy. He is from the western part of the state which tends to be a conservative democrat area, i.e. Heath Shuler. That is a positive he has working for him. Based on what you said, Tom, and what I've listed, it seems that the Guv is surrounding herself with more of the same that boxed her in. This, along with her veto of the Balanced Budget Act, is bad news for her chances of re-election. Dare I say it might spell the political suicide of the DNC? Her veto is similar to Obama's budget proposal that did not make real cuts or even touch entitlements. Again, it's more of the same 'ol, same 'ol. It is quite apparent the DNC has a tremendous spending problem. Sooner or later, they must realize that the political atmosphere has shifted from what the government can do for me, to what needs to be done to repair the damage of the last 100 years.
Reply to this