The stakes have been raised...the game of chicken continues

What a day politically! First the media is informed of a press conference.  Storm clouds appear to have formed over the Old Borah Post Office.  Two bills vetoed and a warning given..."give me what I want within 72 hours or I might veto more bills."

Early afternoon, everything was ratchet up.  Eight agency appropriation bills were vetoed. (What happened to the 72 hour thing?) Later this afternoon a gas tax increase was passed by the Senate. 

I was in an education reform committee meeting this afternoon. In attendance with the executive Director of one of the agencies that had their budget vetoed. As a matter of courtesy, a representative from the Governor's Office called this director immediately after the veto stamp was used. The rest of his day was shot...  

It's back to the drawing board now. Retaliation and compromise are strange bedfellows.

From Ridenbaugh Press: Trench Warfare is Joined.

Trench warfare is a matter of attrition, of patience, of holding out longer than the other guy. In this case, since the governor is a full timer who reports to the work every day whatever happens, and since the legislators are part-timers who have other work to do, the advantage seems to lie with the governor.

From Notes From The Floor comes a description of the alternatives.  And also, a perspective regarding the choices the Governor made in his first two vetoes.

Reaction to the Governor's veto entitled Now at Least We Know from Eye on Boise.

And from the Governor's cheerleader, Canyon County's own Senator McGee,

Senators, let’s be very clear about this - this is a gas tax increase,” “… This raises the state gas tax on a gallon of gas from 25 cents to 28 cents and then to 31 cents. … I think almost everyone agrees that something has to be done. … The fact is this amendment … would raise $52 million for Idaho’s roads and bridges in a time where we desperately need to maintain our infrastructure we have in the state of Idaho.”

Well, well...what will tomorrow bring?

Here is a creative reaction from Rep. Branden Durst to the Governor's veto of the Parent's as Teachers Support Program..