National Policy, the Presidency and State Governors
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Virginia's former Governor Mark Warner has shaken up the Democratic race for President--by withdrawing. That demonstrates the importance of governorships in the race for the White House. We find out why governors matter even if they're not running nationwide and look at some of this year's most interesting contests. Also, LAUSD picks a new superintendent.
Main Topic
National Policy, the Presidency and State Governors ()
Virginia's former Governor Mark Warner won't be challenging Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination. Now other governors will be running harder than ever. Despite all the attention given to US senators, governors' mansions have become the "training grounds of future presidents." Four of the last five presidents started out as governors of their states, and even when they aren't planning to run nationwide, governors can have a major impact on national policy. Democrats are poised to take a majority of governorships this year for the first time since 1994. We look at some key states and find out why governors matter even if they're not running for president. (An extended version of this discussion was originally broadcast earlier today on To the Point.)
Guests:
- Mark Barabak: Political writer for the Los Angeles Times
- Steve Hoffman: Editorial writer for the Beacon Journal
- Tom Beaumont: Chief political reporter for the Des Moines Register, @TomBeaumont
- Brian Mooney: Political reporter for the Boston Globe
Links:
- Bliss Institute's 2006 General Election Survey
- National Governors Association
- Democratic Governors Association
- Republican Governors Association
- Barabak's article on Democratic hope of winning majority of governorships
- Hoffman's article on Republicans' problems in Ohio race
- Beaumont's article on Mark Warner dropping presidential bid, impact on Gov Vilsack
Making News
LAUSD Names Brewer New School Superintendent ()
The Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District has named retired Vice Admiral David Brewer, III to be the next Superintendent. Mayor Villaraigosa, who's on a trip to Asia, says he's "disappointed" he wasn't involved. One of his allies, Democratic Senator Gloria Romero, calls it "a complete mockery" of the Mayor and the legislature, which passed a law to give him a voice in the process. But another Villagraigosa ally, the most recently elected board member, made the board's vote unanimous.
Guests:
- Monica Garcia: LAUSD Board Member
A CD copy of Which Way L.A.? is a available by calling 1.888.600.5279.
Transcripts are not available.
Underwriters
Which Way L.A.? is made possible in part by the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, the Nathan Cummings Foundation, and the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation, which supports study and research into policy issues of the Los Angeles region.
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