F My State
Paterson has his hands full with this match-up.
Earlier this week the LA Times pointed at New York's legislature and essentially said, "At least California's not that bad." And then both NY and CA appeared on Politco's list of worst states to govern.
OK, fine. So let's do this. Which state is the biggest loser?
Financial situation
New York: Facing a $16 billion budget gap this year, the leg and governor somehow agreed on a budget that's 9 percent bigger than last year. Now the state comptroller is warning of another gaping hole in next year's budget.
California: Facing a $26 billion budget gap this year and the state is broke. Literally. It's paying bills with IOUs.
Loser: California - at least New York is something approaching solvent.
Legislature
New York: State Senate has become paralyzed the by the actions of a billionaire who doesn't officially live here and a guy who blatantly ignores the law and refers to himself in the third person.
California: With the state teetering on the edge of a complete fiscal meltdown, the Legislature gave its staffers a pay rise. And now the Assembly speaker has been boycotting budget negotiations.
Loser: New York - our legislature is run by adult-sized children who fight over their toys
Governor
New York: David Paterson became governor because Eliot Spitzer spitzered himself. Paterson often appears ineffectual. And he may very well be the least popular governor in the country.
California: Arnold Schwarzenegger became governor after Grey Davis was recalled. The Governator started out on a wave of popularity as he plotted a moderate path. Now his state's in the tank, he's hot tubbing with a stogie and his poll numbers are going down the drain.
Loser: New York - the Governator can at least claim he steered the ship competently for a few years. And he looks a heck of a lot better in running shorts.
Gubernatorial hopeful
New York: Andrew Cuomo, the front-runner in the hypothetical field, is letting Paterson self-destruct so he can swoop in next year. He has federal Cabinet-level experience and appears to be a competent AG. Potential first lady Sandra Lee is a self-described drag queen.
California: Gavin Newsom, the mayor of San Francisco, is young and GQ-handsome. He was a successful wine entrepreneur. He's been a leading supporter of gay marriage. And he nearly killed his political career by having an affair with the wife of his campaign manager, one of his best friends.
Loser: Push
Citizens
New York: We keep electing the same bozos to run the state.
California: Golden Staters don't seem too keen on raising taxes or capping spending -- even though the state is out of money.
Loser: California, narrowly -- we just don't get a whole lot of choice here in New York.
Environmental problem
New York: It won't stop raining.
California: It won't rain. The ground shakes.
Loser: California -- sunshine is nice, but we'll pass on the draught and earthquakes.
Result: California loses 3-2-1
It's not really fair to say that New York won here -- it just didn't lose. Both of these states have a lot of work to do.
Schwarzenegger photo: Flickr user Ambidanze
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Comments
Funny that I read this AFTER the news of D-Patt appointing his own Lt. Gov. My thought is to get away from here as soon as I can so I'm not in the line of fire. YIKES!!
... said Kari on Jul 8, 2009 at 4:48 PM | link
Ha - my favorite line is "because Eliot Spitzer spitzered himself." Thanks for making me laugh at the end of the day :)
... said Michelle Bennett on Jul 8, 2009 at 9:01 PM | link
I think you're being too hard on Gov. Paterson. First, Sacremento has nothing on Albany.
Second, he can pronounce our state name correctly.
Third, he just pulled quite possibly the ballsy-est move in all of politics, and if it sticks, he will be: a) a hero and b) remembered forever for the crazy scheme.
Fourth, California is Exhibit A as to why the founding fathers believed in republican (small r) government, and not direct democracy.
... said Mark Anderson on Jul 8, 2009 at 9:34 PM | link
Having just moved here from California, I think I have to say NY is more Effed this time around.
As a proud New Yorker, I see that:
Our unelected governor is appointing his successor.
Our legislators are the laughing stock of the nation.
And the financial crisis, well, Wall Street is ours too.
Yes, the California IOUs are embarrassing.
But earthquakes really aren't as bad as Californians make them seem.
Seriously. It's a ploy to keep people from moving there.
Much like the rain in Seattle. It's just not that bad.
Also, Gavin Newsom is a wonderful man. Even if he cost the Dems the presidency in 2004.
... said Daniel B. on Jul 8, 2009 at 10:17 PM | link
I want to be able to pay my bills with IOUs. How about in exchange for internet I give someone at time warner a backrub, or a spaghetti dinner?
I think another strike against California is that they allowed gays and lesbians the right to marry and then took it back. WTF?!
... said Litt1eMinx on Jul 9, 2009 at 9:32 AM | link
Daniel- how did Newsom cost the Dems the 2004 election?
... said KatherineSass on Jul 9, 2009 at 2:24 PM | link
I think you're missing a key branch of comparison here: the judiciary and the laws the legislatures pass. Yes, same-sex marriage was given and then taken away in California -- but at least it existed long enough for thousands of people to enjoy the same rights as their brothers and sisters who are heterosexual. The shame in NY is that it passed on the opportunity to grant those rights years ago and the judiciary is loathe to do its job -- of speaking up for the rights of those in the minority -- when the legislature is obviously incapable of doing so. NY definitely loses that match-up.
... said Anon on Jul 10, 2009 at 3:18 PM | link
National Journal says, um, "We're number 1?"
(California was 6th)
http://www.nationaljournal.com/njonline/no_20090713_9497.php
... said amymengel on Jul 15, 2009 at 10:28 PM | link