CHAPTER 8: THE GOVERNOR

Current Texas Governor  Rick Perry (a Republican), was sworn in as Texas’ 47th governor on December 21, He was elected to a four-year term on November 5, 2002.

Formal/Informal Qualifications for Becoming Governor  Formal: –30 years of age –American citizen and citizen of Texas for five years prior to election  Informal: –WASP (White Anglo-Saxon Protestant) –Male (there have only been two female governors in TX) –Middle-aged Successful Businessperson or Attorney –Conservative-to-Moderate candidate

Governor’s Tenure, Removal, & Succession  4 year term  No limits on number of terms  Can be removed from office only by impeachment (requires simple majority of legislative members present; conviction requires 2/3 vote of Senate)  Lieutenant Governor is next in the line of succession

Governor’s Compensation  Salary is set by the legislature  Present salary is $115,345 (among highest in the nation)  Governor’s Mansion  Expense account  Professional staff

Governor’s Tools of Persuasion  Informal or extra-legal powers: Powers that are not stated in rules, laws, or the constitution, but are usually derived from these legal powers.  Formal or legal powers: Powers stated in rules, laws, or the constitution.  Informal and formal powers are enhanced by other conditions such as the governor having: –a strong personality –political expertise –prestige –knack for public relations and political drama –good press relations –supporters with economic and political strength –a favorable political climate –good luck

Legislative Tools of Persuasion  The Veto: Executive power to reject a proposed law unless a majority votes to override governor’s opposition.  The Item Veto: Executive power to veto sections of a bill, but allowing remainder of bill to become law. Limited to appropriation bills only.  Presession Bargaining: Negotiation that lets governor and legislative leaders reach necessary compromises prior to start of the session.

Legislative Tools of Persuasion (cont.)  Message Power: Allows governor to focus the attention of the press, legislators, and citizens on legislative proposals he/she considers important. Also called the “Bully Pulpit”.  “Blue Ribbon” Commission: Governor appoints this commission consisting of influential citizens, politicians, and members of concerned special interest groups. Measures public reaction to proposals.

Executive Tools of Persuasion  Appointive Powers: An effective governor will use the power of appointment to the maximum. –Senatorial Courtesy: Senators have some influence over appointments due to senatorial courtesy, giving them power to reject appointments of a political enemy from their senatorial district. Other senators show courtesy by not approving the appointee.  Removal Powers: The governor is very limited in powers of removal.  Chief of State: The governor serves as the symbol of TX, performs ceremonial duties, and represents the state at meetings with foreign officials and other governors.

Executive Tools of Persuasion (cont.)  Clemency Powers: Governor is very limited in his power to grant clemency (relief from criminal punishment).  Budget Powers: The governor is designated the Chief Budget Officer of the state, however his/her proposals are usually not as influential as the Legislative Budget Board, headed by the Lt. Governor.  Law Enforcement/Military Powers: The governor has very little law enforcement powers, however, he/she is the Commander-In-Chief of the Texas National Guard and Texas State Guard.

Texas Governor is a Weak Governor  When compared to governors in other states, the TX governor is weak.  The denial of power to the governor (and legislature) has created a power vacuum in government that is filled willingly by interest groups and administrative agencies.

Chief of Party  The governor is the most visible leader of her or his party, and usually exercises influence within the party by controlling its executive committee. This party control permits what is considered one of the most powerful tools of the governor’s office: rewarding supporters with political patronage. As party leader, the governor may lead the party’s delegation to the national nominating convention and thus become involved in presidential politics. By stepping into the national political spotlight the governor can enhance his or her image at home by taking stands on issues (e.g., illegal immigration) over which she or he has little or no control but with which people identify.