Freudenthal: Wyoming’s Long History Of Pragmatic Politics On Life Support

Wyoming can claim more than a century of pragmatic political life. Pragmatic, meaning dealing with things sensibly and realistically based on practical rather than theoretical considerations, was the best description of Wyoming politics for a very long time.

Pragmatic does not equate to harmonious. We have seen tough arguments over education, water, taxes, medical schools, economic development, trans-basin diversion of water, etc. etc. for decades upon decades. Tensions between northern and southern counties, urban and rural areas, water rich and water challenged areas date back to territorial days.

The arguments were largely factual, realistic, focused on real problems, and premised on building Wyoming for all its citizens. Civility was the order of the day. Compromise was a reality. Often after an intense day of disagreement the combatants would share dinner or a drink. After all, today's opponent may be tomorrow's ally on a different issue.

Today, not so much. Pragmatic is not the first word used today to describe Wyoming politics, particularly this last legislative session or its aftermath. Viewed from the outside through the lens of news accounts it was neither inspiring nor pragmatic. It looked a lot like Washington, D.C. Anger, engineered roll calls, block voting and ideological speeches for the benefit of a perceived audience or Facebook post.

Budgets are inevitably a compromise among the Governor and the House and Senate. In the current environment, rather than accept the inevitable compromise, people vote against the entire budget. A budget that generally benefits all of our citizens. Wyoming's hyper-majority of Republicans and a need to frenzy the base has led to inter-party in-fighting that has eroded our state legislature's reputation for pragmatism. Let's look at the facts of the inter-party fight.

In one corner you have the Wyoming Caucus, which is a loosely connected group of what would consider itself traditional conservatives. They don't necessarily vote as a block, though they have a Wyoming-based contractor who helps develop messaging for the caucus' outreach. This group doesn't have a national affiliation or focus. If last year is an example this caucus seems intent on setting policy that directs the business of the state. By business of the state, I mean setting budgets, adjusting, or expanding state programming it feels will benefit the citizenry.

In the other corner is The Wyoming Freedom Caucus. This faction of the party seems more interested in devoting legislative time to national hot button issues rather than the nuts and bolts of the business of Wyoming state and local government. This group has a cooperative partnership with the State Freedom Caucus Network based in Washington, D.C. which is a partner organization with the U.S. Congress House Freedom Caucus.

Tactically the approach seems to be one of direct confrontation, disciplined block voting, and leaves little room for compromise. (See: "Confrontational Politics" by H.L. Richardson)

Currently, the House of Representatives has about 36 lawmakers who may not identify as Wyoming Caucus members but tend to vote with the Wyoming Caucus much of the time. Another 26 seems to align with the Freedom Caucus. With this year's election, if the Freedom Caucus can pick up five seats, it brings itself on the same level as their counterparts in the Wyoming Caucus and likely a change in agenda by the House.

Our "Big Five" statewide elected officials and the legislators are expected to bring a reasoned and practical approach to making government work for the citizens. State government has an oversized role in Wyoming since the property tax base for local governments has been eroded and the reliance on state level mineral taxes following the severance tax passage in 1969.

Political confrontation and turmoil are a risky formula for Wyoming. While we love Wyoming, we need to recognize we are slightly less than 600,000 people (less population than most suburban areas), in a beautiful but landlocked state with a cyclical economy and a water supply claimed by downstream states. Our physical environment and climate are enjoyed by millions of visitors every year but have not always proven attractive for business development.

From Territorial Days to the present, Wyoming has been capital short in terms of money to invest in small business. This is a great place to live but not always an easy place to make a living.

We have survived by being pragmatic, not only for the current generation but for future generations seeking to live in Wyoming. Perhaps it is time to drop the grandstanding and fighting and get back to the basics.

Columnists' views and opinions are not necessarily those of AARP Wyoming or its staff.