There’s a good argument that the special session is unnecessary, a waste of money, that the state senators and representatives should pass these bills during the regular session, and that the new Republican Legislature should do it under the leadership of the new governor.
There’s an equally good argument that legislators have little incentive to pass such laws, being the beneficiaries of the status quo, and that the spotlight of the special session will give them the boost they need.
The arguments, however, have been settled. The special session convenes Dec. 8. Next week we’ll see whether our new folks in Montgomery have what it takes to empower the Ethics Commission, limit access of lobbyists to elected officials and end PAC-to-PAC transfers of campaign contributions once and for all.
This will be the first time Riley’s had the luxury of working with a Legislature in which his own party controls both houses. There will be no excuse for failure.
