06-21-2016, 01:27 AM
I don't think Greggor needs an endorsement picture with Bill Walters for his support to be confirmed. Walters supported Illagan in his last race for council and was well known to have opposed the various ag initiatives that Russell is identified with. The contrast between the two opponents on the GMO issue is definitive. WHS has actively opposed the county and state bills that, while frequently identified as "anti- GMO's" more broadly affect a farmers "right to farm".
In a nutshell, these candidates are representing the divide that exists between the historical rights and constantly developing practices of farming with the modern day restrictions based on the precautionary principle. WHS/Walters, as a descendent land trust , is hewing to the conservative and Greggor clearly is their candidate.
If you look further into the contest and try to determine successful representation for Puna based on a Senators ability to work with colleagues, now you're playing chess not checkers. I'd say Greggor has an advantage in that he already has the backing of the current Senate president, and should the Kouchi majority survive he's likely assured a rapid rise. If on the other hand he finds himself elected but facing a new majority leader chances are he'll be welcomed into that alliance as a newbie, and a very young one at that. The Senate is about building relationships that can survive changes in leadership, so that there is always someway to cobble together a working majority no matter the circumstances. A young Senator, with a presumed long career ahead, is ripe for mentoring by any number of seasoned hands. Mores the better the closer the rookie is to a blank slate.
Our sitting Senator on the other hand has more of the "Mr Smith" position, an outsider who wishes to remain so. Having entered the fray, been repelled by its practices, and now seeks to clean the stables he is not likely to fit into very many organizational scenarios. Which can be good, he could then stake out a maverick position and rely on specific issue expertise and constituent services as his role in the Senate. Not immersing oneself in the internecine warfare is reasonable, and one always survives intact.
It's our own little Game of Thrones. Which ones are they(imperfectly) ; Brienne vs Little Finger ? Or Stannis vs Pod ?
In a nutshell, these candidates are representing the divide that exists between the historical rights and constantly developing practices of farming with the modern day restrictions based on the precautionary principle. WHS/Walters, as a descendent land trust , is hewing to the conservative and Greggor clearly is their candidate.
If you look further into the contest and try to determine successful representation for Puna based on a Senators ability to work with colleagues, now you're playing chess not checkers. I'd say Greggor has an advantage in that he already has the backing of the current Senate president, and should the Kouchi majority survive he's likely assured a rapid rise. If on the other hand he finds himself elected but facing a new majority leader chances are he'll be welcomed into that alliance as a newbie, and a very young one at that. The Senate is about building relationships that can survive changes in leadership, so that there is always someway to cobble together a working majority no matter the circumstances. A young Senator, with a presumed long career ahead, is ripe for mentoring by any number of seasoned hands. Mores the better the closer the rookie is to a blank slate.
Our sitting Senator on the other hand has more of the "Mr Smith" position, an outsider who wishes to remain so. Having entered the fray, been repelled by its practices, and now seeks to clean the stables he is not likely to fit into very many organizational scenarios. Which can be good, he could then stake out a maverick position and rely on specific issue expertise and constituent services as his role in the Senate. Not immersing oneself in the internecine warfare is reasonable, and one always survives intact.
It's our own little Game of Thrones. Which ones are they(imperfectly) ; Brienne vs Little Finger ? Or Stannis vs Pod ?