01/30/2008 (12:24 pm)
State of the state: in the flesh
Stephanie Ariganello;
stephaniea@monroenews.com
Tuesday was the state of the state and since I had the opportunity to be there in person, I went. Obviously it was different than watching it on TV. Here are some of my general observations.
Randy Richardville - Apparently our Senator is a rock star in Lansing. Everyone, and I’m talking everyone, had to say hello, grip his hand, talk about tool and die legislation, about getting “the core” together next week, etc. He knew all of the staff members working security, the tour guides, the communications people, and had former staffers coming up to him to let them know where they are now. He even managed to get a plug in about a feature film on the War of 1812 to a film company lobbyist who approached him. From what I understand, the scene was similar over at Rep. Kathy Angerer’s camp. Everyone clammering for a handshake and a chance to say hello.
Rumor was that Sen. Richardville was going to be mentioned in the Gov’s speech. Her people called his people and asked if it would be alright to mention him when talking about working across the aisle and bipartisan cooperation. Well, if you listened to or read the address, you’ll notice he was not mentioned. Apparently, he was in the initial draft, but at some point was taken out. While he was fairly jovial about the situation, he did point out that all of the Republicans the Gov mentioned were term-limited and therefore not really contested seats, like giving a boost to someone as they retire. I haven’t had time to check on this so I’m not sure if it’s true.
(In full disclosure: I was invited to be Sen. Richardville’s guest along with Walt Wilburn, Bedford Township Supervisor, and Larry Rutledge, LaSalle Township Supervisor. Larry and Walt couldn’t make it because of the weather. The offer was also extended through the House Democrats, but because they’re up for re-election this year, my editor and I thought this might be less political. Also, since Sen. Richardville is Republican, it could be an interesting counterpoint to the SOTS.)
On the floor: It had been a long time since I’d been to the state capitol. I haven’t been for any assignments or visits since coming to Monroe and I hadn’t lived in state for a few years before that. I’m sure I must have been a wee little school girl the last time I went. Anyway, the chambers were smaller than I remember. The speech was held in the House of Representatives room. There were desks of course, then the various chairs scattered about and standing room only in the galleries and balconies. The event started at about 6:30 p.m. Each time fancy people were to arrive, like the chief justices of the state, they had a whole routine. The speaker had to ask for a special committee to be selected to escort whatever group of people was next. After awhile the doors would open, everyone would stand up and wait and then the group would come through. This went on for 30 minutes or more before the Gov was introduced. There was so much standing and sitting, repeatedly, that it was like an extended church service.
On their computers: I’ve always wondered what the legislators had on their computers as they sat there. Last night, several of them had The Drudge Report called up, awaiting the Florida primary results presumably. One had Real Clear Politics, a different web page on his screen while one was checking out weather on Yahoo.com. Others sat and emailed through the address or worked on their responses to what the Gov was saying. Another allowed their pre-teen daughter to instant message from the floor.
During the speech: It was probably more about where I was sitting - next to some Republicans - but occasionally when the Gov would make a point and others would cheer there would be some pretty negative comments or sarcastic remarks about the sincerity of her statement. Another guy kept snickering over the fact that the Gov was basing part of the economic boost on alternative energies, particularly when she mentioned wind turbines. Despite the sarcasm, there was a general feeling of optimism.
Overall: It just seemed like a giant social mixer, for the most part. Kind of like a Rotary or other such group meeting. I’m sure these are the places where more things get done, friendships are forged, deals are set up. Overall, it was very clear that these people are legislators and they are powerful in that they dictate what could be happening in our lives, but overwhelmingly - they’re people first and foremost.
If I think of anything else, I’ll post it.
