Jay Nixon dons color of bipartisanship
Gov.-elect Jay Nixon
In his first news conference in Jefferson City as the governor-elect, Jay Nixon adopted a purple tone, literally and figuratively.
Wearing a purple tie and surrounded by Republican leaders on his right and Democratic leaders on his left, Nixon told the press that he and his fellow legislative leaders would work together on “shared principles.”
So what are those shared principles? “We’re going to work together,” Nixon said. He was joined at his news conference on the steps of the Supreme Court by Speaker-elect Ron Richard and Senate president pro tem-elect Charlie Shields — both Republicans — as well as Democrat leaders Victor Callahan of the Senate and Paul LeVota of the House.
The state leaders had a half-hour meeting in Nixon’s office before the news conference. It was the first time Richard had met Nixon.
I hope this is true, but I am skeptical. From what I saw suring the debates, many of his issues are very far left and I hope, for the sake of our state, he will open his heart and mind to the ideals of the right. Then, and only then, can we accomplish things that both parties will agree upon, the budget will remain in tact, and children will get the education they need.