Alrighty then, that went about as well as could be expected

There are more Democrats than Republicans in the Nevada Legislature. In America, that means Republicans win. So it's semi-official: no new taxes.

The media still must spend a few weeks manufacturing the requisite sturm und drang over the final process by which Sandoval/teabagger supremacy will be confirmed. Will there be a special session? Or two? Perhaps someone somewhere cares.

But in the end, your Nevada Legislature will do nothing meaningful to help anyone escape crushing financial pressures or find a decent job. On the contrary, they'll be throwing people out of work, thank you. There may be very little that Nevada's governor and legislators can do to help the economy, but they can hurt it, by emulating Herbert Hoover at his worst, so they'll do that.

Pining for a semblance of relevance, impotent Democrats are reportedly considering legislation that would put taxes on the ballot, perhaps even as early as this fall. In that event, Brian Sandoval and the right-wingers who have scared him into obedient submission could be counted on to mount a high-profile, forceful and -- most importantly -- well-financed opposition campaign.

Approval of any new taxes at the polls is doubly threatened because gaming, mining and the rest of the industries and interests who claim to support a broadened tax base can be relied on to back a pro-tax campaign with just as much sincerity and commitment as they displayed while promoting sound public policy during the legislative session.

(If the Democrats do go forward with legislation to put taxes before voters this year, the ballot, if possible, should include the constitutional amendment to take mining taxes out of the state constitution. Voters must approve constitutional amendments a couple of times, so the earlier the start the better -- although by the time Nevada taxes mining responsibly, if it ever does, the price of gold will be back down to a nickel-ninety-eight. You see, the state almost certainly has missed it's window of opportunity on the gold bubble. Barrick and Newmont, on the other hand, have taken enough profits from Nevada to diversify through mergers/acquisitions and new projects on other continents, thus lessening Newmont and Barrick's reliance on both gold and Nevada. Strengthening Newmont and Barrick internationally while diminishing Nevada's importance to the industry -- that's the legacy of Nevada mining tax policy in the first decade of the 21st century. But I digress.)

So anyway, the Nevada Legislature has shaped up almost exactly as pretty much everyone expected, and before long a thankful media can move on to handicapping the odds on Sharron Angle, Jon Huntsman and other political horseflesh full-time. As the campaign cycle begins to pick up steam in earnest, Democratic candidates from Obama down will clearly and powerfully explain their party's fundamental ideology: "We're not Republicans." That will be enough for Democratic voters (it always is) as well as more than a few independents, and Democrats will win some races. And then, whether in the majority or the minority, Republicans will rule anyway. So stay tuned to national and local media outlets of choice because you certainly won't want to miss any of the thrills and excitement, I guess.

Comments

[Michael Green]

You might remind your readers that a majority of Democrats want new taxes and know we need them. However, in the 1990s, voters approved a constitutional amendment requiring a 2/3 vote in the legislature to raise taxes. The "brains" behind this measure belonged to Jim Gibbons, and voters thought, oh, why not. It was stupid because it paralyzed the state. It's unconstitutional because it violates the U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment and the "one man, one vote" provision of the Supreme Court's reapportionment decision.

In other words, it isn't that Democrats surrendered or have no principles, although I could see the point of passing NO budget and shutting down the state on July 1, though that would hurt my paycheck and would inspire me to sue the state, not only for that, but also for unconstitutionally taxing my income as a state employee.

[dave404]

@Michael Green;

1. You are correct and the correct course is to undo the 2/3 majority Constitutional requirement; who will fund same?

2. At this juncture, I agree with those that say "accept Sandoval budget" and let the next seceding election either validate same or not!

I don't recall my poly sci 101 class discussing the tyranny of the minority over the majority; indeed, quite the opposite!

[dave404]

BTW id I mention SELL your real property in Nevada? Get your capital the fuck out of this shit hole backwater state. Incline with this being abetting state (THE MAJORITY DON'T VOTE THEIR INTEREST), notwithstanding a 212% snow pack, this place is fucked. period.

Hat tip to Joe Hardy, R-Sandoval, and right wing Mormon Lynn Stewart, R-Sandoval/Saint Maroney for eliminating the wall between separation between state and religion.

[dave404]

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Oceguera and Horsford are both an epic fail in their respective leadership role.

Neither Horsford nor Oceguera deserves further promotion in the electoral process as both have more than adequately demonstrated their inability to perform in their current positions. John does not pass Hatch Act muster and as for Horsford? Hell, at best he is a petty crook.

Google Horsford and handicap parking or Horsford and his UNLV money connections going back to 2009....

Always remember the statement, bullshit in, bullshit out.

Should the Ds push for either candidate in 2011 and beyond, then they are fools. Suckers. Idiots.

[Michael Green]

Dave, whatever I think of Oceguera and Horsford, to expect them to bring Republicans to their side when none of the Republicans has guts or brains (I include in this Lynn Stewart, who as a longtime schoolteacher should be embarrassed by his actions), is a tall order.

[Dan]

I have to admit that the Dem's caving as fast they did was very surprising. I thought they would at least try and take it to a special session before folding.
As far as putting raising taxes on the ballot, go for it. If you win, then the taxes are raised by the vote of the people. That's fair enough.