Mark Baldassare
Mark Baldassare
education governor public
As long as the governor has education in the mix, the public will be supportive.
along deeply irony leaders lines opportunity partisan public reconcile split state unable voters
It's an unfortunate irony that state leaders were unable to reconcile their differences, while voters - who are often deeply split along partisan lines - were very much in agreement. This was an opportunity to give the public something it collectively wanted.
easy finger point taking
It's very easy to point the finger at the Legislature and the governor, but ultimately, they're taking their cues from the voters.
agreement bond budget consensus governor leadership measure question reach test type voters
This is a real test for the governor. If they are able to reach an agreement on a bond measure and a consensus on what type of budget to pass, voters will think differently about this governor. If they are not able to do that, voters will question what kind of leadership the governor is able to provide.
appears bond deal last seemed stake understand unlike viewed voters willing year
He's being viewed as someone with a lot at stake in the bond deal but one who was willing to compromise. Unlike last year when he seemed to be saying, 'My way or the highway,' this year he appears to be conciliatory. He seemed to be willing to settle, and voters understand that.
balance calendar cycle elections looking power rather shifted
The Legislature has been looking at the calendar for elections rather than the calendar for legislation. The balance of power has shifted from the legislative cycle to the election cycle.
change governor key looking measures moved negative public sign support voters
There's still a long way to go, but the governor is still looking to find the key to what will change public opinion. While his measures may not have moved in a negative direction, there's no sign that voters have any more inclination to support his package.
among amount challenge money ratings spent strong time
The challenge for him this time is really twofold: first of all, he's got very strong disapproval ratings among the voters, who are opposing his measures, particularly Democrats, and secondly, there is a very substantial amount of money that is being spent on the 'no' side.
inspiring none passion
None of the propositions favored by the governor's administration are inspiring much passion,
election elections endorsing energizing generating governor proposals public reasons special specific
The reasons for the special election and the reasons for the specific proposals the governor is endorsing are not something that are energizing the public right now or generating a lot of support.
ballot connects current voters
Voters see little on the ballot that connects to their current concerns.
directly frustrated improving involved issue lack levels officials progress public quality
The public is frustrated and disappointed with what they see as a lack of progress in improving the quality of education. Because the issue is so important to them, (voters) want to see officials at all levels engaged, even if they're not directly involved (in education).
education lots rhetoric state
The public's frustration with the state of education is palpable. They see lots of rhetoric but little progress.
ahead challenge governor
The governor has a big challenge ahead of him.