Wednesday, October 21st, 2009...1:02 pm
Follow Up
I made some calls to get some perspective from folks at the capitol about yesterday’s news that Kevin Tyne is leaving the Governor’s office.
First, a word about Tyne’s new job. Tyne will be leaving the employ of La Cervecera to become an advisor to the Republican Governors Association. I don’t know exactly what Tyne will be giving advice on, unless the RGA has a new program to make sure that Republican incumbents poll third in their respective primaries.
There were many complaints about Tyne’s style. The impression I was given was that he was very partisan, but had poor political instincts. Not a good combination. Tyne was given as a big part of the reason that Jan Brewer was not only isolated from the debate on the budget for long stretches, but also why her “my way or the highway” strategy lacked enough oomph to be successful.
Eileen Klein was described as a “bulldog” by one person I talked to who had dealt with her when she was a staffer for the Republican caucus. Interestingly, she was part of Jim Weiers’s team that left when current Speaker Kirk Adams came to power. This could be a gauntlet thrown down in front of Adams, and it is an indication that Brewer may be looking to Weiers and other dissident Republicans to help her pass a budget next year.
This also may open up space for the Democrats. Klein has a reputation as a tough negotiator, but unlike Tyne, she actually knows how to negotiate. Look for Democrats to actually be included this time with Klein smart enough to see it as a good way to work around Republican leadership.
The next session is still going to be gawdawful, but it might be shorter.
7 Comments
October 21st, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Get your facts right dude…Klein left the House when Weiers was Speaker, not Adams. She worked for United Healthcare before joining Gov. Brewer.
October 21st, 2009 at 8:06 pm
The rumor that really has me wondering is Russell Pearce as head of the state police.
After what went on last week with Sheriff Joe and ICE, wouldn’t naming Pearce to head the state police almost be an open invitation to Eric Holder to open a full investigation into the handling of immigration issues in Arizona?
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:24 am
Kevin Tyne is leaving the office to spend more time with his family. He has done yomen’s work for Gov. Brewer and deserves a rest. The Governor and the Legislature did a remarkable job passing a balanced budget despite the complete opposition of Kyrsten Sinema (D-Acorn) and the radical far-left Democrats.
I think we can expect no less than the same from Eileen Klein.
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:34 pm
RGA, uh huh…
Tyne got sent to Siberia.
…A day in the life of KIVAN TYNISOVICH
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:37 am
Kevin Tyne is going to do what he did best: Get Jan Brewer elected. The RGA is a powerhouse. After they tip the Virginia and New Jersey Governors races, every consultant will want to be with them.
Good luck, Kev!
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:34 pm
“I don’t know exactly what Tyne will be giving advice on, unless the RGA has a new program to make sure that Republican incumbents poll third in their respective primaries.”
Awesome!
October 23rd, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Yeah, the RGA. Katie’s right on the mark as usual.
Back in early August, Chris Christie was leading an unpopular Democratic Governor by 14-15 points in several consecutive polls in the state of New Jersey.
After two months of taking advice from the RGA he’s struggling to hang onto a tie.
Yeah, they do specialize in that kind of stuff Katie, you said it perfectly.