I support the constitutional amendment to place the Lt. Governor and Governor on the same ticket, however, here’s some pros and cons.
Pros:
– Having the Gov/Lt Gov. on one ticket would ensure that both candidates have the same principles/common interest/platform.
– The Gubernatorial candidate could choose a running mate that holds to the same principles as the candidate, instead of being required to work with someone that they may not have chosen.
– Single ticket election process would provide a more harmonious and cohesive executive policy, avoid a possible change of the executive agenda in “midstream,” and ensure continuity of that agenda in case the Governor is unable to complete the term.
– The federal process of electing the President and Vice President on a single ticket has worked well.
– History has proven that several Gov/Lt Gov. have had little interaction and some have highly disliked each other. This would lead to poor leadership of the state.
– Three times SC has elected a Governor and Lt. Governor from different parties; the last time being in 1998.
– If the proposed changes had been in place, Sen. Glenn McConnell would not have taken over as lieutenant governor and would still be the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman.
– There would be a clearer balance of power because the lieutenant governor would no longer have roles in both the executive and leadership branches.
– The office portfolio has traditionally expanded when a governor and lieutenant governor work as a team.
Cons:
– Having the Gov/Lt Gov. on one ticket could mean that we elect a team that does not reflect the views of the SC people therefore, less accountability.
– South Carolinians would have less say as to who they wanted as Lt Gov. and also as President of the Senate. We would no longer have immediate say as to who presides over the Senate body. We would have less control and there would be less transparency.
– The process of electing the Governor and Lieutenant Governor on a single ticket deprives the voter of the opportunity to “vote for the person” rather than a party label.
– A single ticket election process places too much power in the hands of the Governor through the selection process and continuity of agenda.
– This ammendment would leave the Lt. Gov. with not much responsibility and the senate with too much power.
– The process of electing the Governor and Lieutenant Governor on a single ticket deprives the voter of the opportunity to “vote for the person” rather than a party label.
– A single ticket election process places too much power in the hands of the Governor through the selection process and continuity of agenda.
Additional Considerations:
As in the case of the Federal election process for President and Vice President, a strong candidate for Lieutenant Governor can bolster the gubernatorial candidate’s chances at the polls and, reversely, a poor choice for Lieutenant Governor could jeopardize the whole ticket.
In South Carolina, as in many states, political party strength is defined by general geographic areas. A geographic choice for Lieutenant Governor may strengthen or weaken the gubernatorial candidate’s chances and/or impact the geographic political balance of the State.
Because the ammendment wouldn’t go into effect until 2018, Gov. Haley won’t be affected as our governor is limited to two terms.
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