Not So Fast. Senate Democrats Lurch for Power Grab.
I remember well the last time an even split between Republicans and Democrats loomed over Connecticut’s state Senate. For three days in November 1994, each side faced the prospect of an 18-18 division.Democrats in those fraught few days insisted there would have to be a comprehensive power sharing agreement that gave neither side an advantage if they won the only race in doubt.
A recount that delivered the 19th seat to the Republicans (discovery of an 80 vote error brought a rare win in the Democratic 3rd district) put an end to 72 hours of maneuvering by Senate Democrats, then led by William DiBella. The Hartford Democrat was not one to give ground on critical institutional matters when pressing a point for his own or his party’s benefit.
The lieutenant governor has a role in the state Senate, but it is not as the 19th member of her party’s caucus. It is far more limited. In the organizing meeting of the Senate, the lieutenant governor plays no part. The secretary of the state swears in the senators and then presides at the organizational meeting that follows. She has no vote. The senators organize themselves by electing one of their own as the chamber’s leader. Then the lieutenant governor is invited to join the senators. In a gubernatorial inauguration year, the incoming lieutenant governor is usually otherwise engaged in the dreary inaugural parade ritual while the new Senate is sworn in.
Senate Democrats are in a high state of panic over the implications of a 50-50 split for their caucus budget. An even division of funds for the second half of the budget year will mean layoffs of its bloated staff and tears for a caucus that guards its privileges. Its appalling charade over the health of outgoing state Senator Andrew Maynard’s precarious condition for the last two years was chilling proof of that.
Victorious Republicans, looking forward to more gains in 2018, appear ready to stand their hard-won ground and make January 4th a day of drama. If change is to begin, let it start then.