SBX 3-1: Is the Party Over?
Yesterday, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to pass SBX 3-1, a bill that would repeal SB 60, the bill that would grant driver licenses to illegal aliens. Ironically, SBX 3-1 was pushed in part by Senator Gil Cedillo, who sponsored SB 60. That should be the first red flag. Why would Cedillo lead the charge to repeal his own bill? The answer, I believe, is twofold.
First, contrary to popular opinion, even the Loony Left Division of the Democratic Party has one core belief that trumps all others: “we want power.” Had Cedillo & Co. had any idea what a hot potato(e) this issue would be, they probably wouldn’t have passed SB 60 in the first place. They might have thrown the illegal alien lobby a bone with a less ambitious bill, but they certainly wouldn’t have passed this turkey. Now, they’re faced with their single stupidest act of the year being front and center in the coming March election.
Second, Governor Arnold has, alas, expressed a willingness to support a “compromise” bill in the future. That means that if the Legislature kisses its own legislative boo-boo and makes it all better, it can come back another day and pass a newer, less ambitious (but nevertheless bad) version of SB 60 later on. It is less clear what the Legislature could do if voters were to overturn SB 60 by referendum. SBX 3-1 would delay the legislative fight indefinitely; presumably, the referendum would kill it outright. Query whether we can still push the referendum as to a law that has already been repealed? I haven’t researched that question yet, but if you happen to know the answer off the top of your head, please let me know.
NOTE: An earlier draft of this message erroneously identified SBX 3-1 as a non-urgency bill. Had SBX 3-1 been passed on a non-urgency basis, the result would have been catastrophic, as SB 60 would have taken effect on January 1, 2004, and would not have been effectively repealed until March 4, 2004, at the earliest.
November 26th, 2003 at 7:48 am
Mary Sunshine here — I think Arnold gave them an opportunity to save face - which we should thank him for. I think he said if you give me a bill that satisfies each and everyone of my concerns, I’ll consider it. I don’t think he said he’ll sign anything - I think he gave them a chance to pretend like they still had a prayer of getting it passed.
November 27th, 2003 at 2:09 am
I think Mary Sunshine is right. My guess is that whatever would pass muster with the Republicans in Sacramento would be unacceptable to the Dems.
I told people during the recall campaign that one of Arnold’s strengths would be his ability to take issues directly to the public - and get coverage. You’re right - power is #1 for the Dems, and they seem to think there are more vulnerable seats next year than I would have guessed.
November 28th, 2003 at 2:25 pm
How come Dave Sheridan doesn’t have a blog?
February 4th, 2004 at 10:21 pm
ARNOLD TERMINATES LICENSES FOR ILLEGALS
Arnold is having an effect already.UP
February 4th, 2004 at 10:21 pm
ARNOLD TERMINATES LICENSES FOR ILLEGALS
Arnold is having an effect already.UP