The only part of the governor's base that he hasn't upset are the enviros - until now. As Pols notes Ritter has come out against a major environmental bill that is being championed by Denver Congresswoman Dianna DeGette.
Beyond the policy merits of this particular legislation opposing this bill is political insanity for Bill Ritter. He's alienated huge numbers of his supporters and his base (not just labor, the Trial Lawyers aren't too happy either and neither are many Hispanic groups) over the course of his lack-luster first term. During that time the one issue area that he has embraced and made his own (or at least tried to claim as his own) are environmental issues. Why would he risk alienating them now? And what does he possibly hope to gain? He's already angered oil and gas interests throughout his term. Those interests spent tens of millions of dollars in 2008 to crush the governor's severance tax amendment. There is nothing the governor can do to sate the oil and gas industry at this point. Nothing, and yet here we are.
Ritter is attempting to triangulate against the one part of his base that doesn't want to see a primary against him and trying to appease an interest group that will never support him. The governor should sue his political advisers for malpractice.
As I said over at Pols, this is the Under-Pants Gnomes version of political strategy,
1. Piss off only part of the base who still supports you
2. Try to cozy up to industry that will never support you
3. ???
4. Win re-election in 2010!
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