Here in Colorado, I'd look for an emboldened Democratic legislature and governor. The margins of victory were larger in the Senate race than in 2004, despite a more liberal, less appealing Democrat, and a more seasoned, more articulate Republican. Salazar had to run as a centrist to win in 2004; Udall felt no such constraints. Combine that confidence with a security that the federal government won't be interfering from the right.
The Power-Perpetuating-Power folks must also be feeling their oats. While the unions couldn't stop Amendment 54, they were able to extort enough money from business to get them to defeat 47 and 49 for them. This was without card check. Like all good extortion rackets, expect the price to go up, until they get to the point where they don't even need to ask.
While raising taxes is beyond the constitution, appropriating everything that's expected to come in, and then crying poor, is a great way to get the citizenry to raise taxes on themselves. PERA's newfound shortfall may be an excellent excuse right there.
At this point, the left probably doesn't feel that it has anything to fear, either from above or below. So look for more regulation, higher "fees," and less and less personal freedom.
Progressively more expensive. Progressively more intrusive. Progressively more restricive.
Comments
Well, remember 2004? Was that a mandate? Although I think you are correct in asserting that the LEFT will think it has nothing to fear, they will be wrong. People were very specific about their reasons for voting the way they did, the economy. They want the 90s economy back and personally, I don't think they'll see it come back anytime soon. If the LEFT begins passing things on the idea they have a mandate, they will be washed away on the same wave they road in on. I'm 48 years old and I have lived under both powers. I do remember why the LEFT was washed out of office in 1993.
Posted by: Steven Kalbach | November 10, 2008 7:35 PM