New Hampshire governor allows a second Republican proposal to become law without his signature
In late June I wrote about the New Hampshire budget: Governor Lynch claimed that he opposed the Republican led budget, but rather than veto it and fight for what he supposedly believed in, he allowed the bill to become law without his signature. I am of the belief that Governor Lynch understood the dire situation in regards to the economy and he knew that the cuts which were in the budget were necessary but he just didn’t have the guts to sign it. He let it become law while voicing his displeasure with the bill hoping to have it both ways. In my opinion this highlights a lack of leadership and commitment on Governor Lynch’s part to make the tough decisions.
Now he is at it again: During his re-election campaign, John Lynch’s opponent–and the man I supported–had a proposal which stated that all state department heads would have to submit two department budget proposals to the governor , the first being the operating budget if all current services were continued, and a second budget which cut 10% from the current department budget. Governor John Lynch assailed that proposal as simplistic and irresponsible.
Last week the Republican legislature passed a bill which implemented this very plan, and Governor Lynch allowed it to become law without his signature. The very plan he opposed during the campaign he has allowed to become law as governor.
Here is the Union Leader editorial reprinted in full about this subject, it sums it up quite well:
Gov. Lynch said the idea was “simplistic,” “somewhat reckless,” and would lead to “less services.”
Last week he let Senate Bill 146 become law without his signature. It implements Stephen’s proposal. Lynch uttered nary a peep about it.
Did he really think it was reckless and simplistic? Of course not. That was just campaign rhetoric. Last year, the governor himself proposed cutting 5 percent from all departments. That was after he criticized a previous Republican proposal similar to Stephen’s but with the alternative budget set at 5 percent instead of 10 percent lower.
So for the second year in a row Gov. Lynch has tacitly endorsed Republican proposals to reduce spending at the department level after previously attacking them. We are glad to see the governor come around to the right position, even if he won’t admit it.
America's Watchtower 
Is this a case of if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em? Either that or he took this route instead of facing the humiliation of an override.
LikeLike
The Republicans gained such a majority in the least election that he is now a GINO (governor in name only) perhaps he knew this would be overridden and decided to let it pass hoping the people wouldn’t realize it.
LikeLike
Hummm, this seems a lot like president whatshisname voting ‘Present’ during his Legislative career(?)
Spineless, Gutless, CoreValue-less, if you ask me.
Aloha!
LikeLike
The similarities are eerie, Governor Lynch isn’t as nefarious though.
LikeLike
This reminds me all too much of former President Bush’s signing statement, whereby he signed bills into laws but would not necessarily support or uphold them. This is cowardly politics at the expense of the people.
LikeLike
Thankfully Obama is above that…..yeah right!
LikeLike
Well, if the GOP makes things better, he’ll claim credit. At election time, he can tell his base that he refused to sign them, “out of principle, of course,”
LikeLike
Exactly, and if it doesn’t get better he will say “hey I didn’t sign them.” He is trying to have it both ways.
LikeLike