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DEL.ICIO.USThe next lieutenant governor says he’ll hold the reins
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On Wednesday afternoon, a slightly groggy, sleep-deprived Casey Cagle, Georgia’s next lieutenant governor, called back.
First, things first. Yes, Democrat Jim Martin had called in the morning, and left a gracious concession on his cell phone, Cagle said. They had yet to speak in person.
Cagle met in the morning with Republican leaders of the Senate, to map out the transition. But Cagle made it clear that when the Legislature convenes in January, the era of a hollowed-out lieutenant governorship will be over. He’ll be in charge of the Senate.
When Republicans took over the Senate in 2002, they stripped Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor, a Democrat, of his powers. As president pro tem, Eric Johnson emerged as the chamber’s leader.
That will no longer be the case. But apparently there’ll be no internal struggle over the issue. Power plays with the Republican-controlled House require a strong-leader system, Cagle said.
“The state senators want a lieutenant governor that’s in a strong position, to negotiate for the Senate. We’ve been somewhat at a disadvantage not having that. Each of the senators are very excited about the opportunity,” Cagle said.
Comments
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By J
November 9, 2006 9:58 AM | Link to this
So how about some coverage on the General Assembly? I’ve been checking this paper for an hour now and I don’t see anything about the makeup of the GA GA.
Surely the Repbulicans remain in control of both houses, but what are the numbers and how did they change?
By PRICIPLED REPUBLICANS???
November 9, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this
When the Republicans took charge of the legislature in 2004, we were excited about a really NEW DAY IN GEORGIA. Up to now they have been a disappointment when it came to PORK spending. The House did make some changes in opening up the process, but the results were the same. (Look whose districts got the bucks!)
Let’s just watch to see if, under Cagle, there will be any tightening on spending…or on government growth. I am not holding my breath.