The Tennessee Liberal

Today's story in the Times Free Press by Chris Joyner about Lt. Gov. John Wilder is mind-blowing to me. Somehow, this old buffoon has managed to commit almost every sin that people hate in politicians and government workers in one fell swoop.

Let's open with the nepotism angle. I think everyone knows that government appointments happen with political favors in mind. But what gets me here is that evidently Wilder didn't just promise a political contributor a seat on a commission about which he has no expertise. While offensive, that's par for the course. Instead, Wilder promised it to a member of his family. From the TFP piece:

Legislative sources said Tuesday Lt. Gov. Wilder made the commitment to Memphis attorney Joel Porter, a political contributor and business associate. Mr. Porter is not personally interested in being appointed but supports either a son or a family friend, sources said.

For goodness' sake.

But now, the other side. People hate when politicians abuse their power. Wilder simply should not have tried to tack this on to some unrelated bill just because he forgot about his marginally-ethical promise! Deciding to just expand the board to make room is reminiscent of FDR's court-packing plan. Mark your calendars, because I actually agree with what Sen. Fowler says in the TFP:

Sen. Fowler, chairman of the Senate Environment Committee, said he would reconvene the committee to consider the legislation. But he said he opposes the change because there is no benefit to the people of Tennessee for increasing the board.
"I regret that (Lt. Gov. Wilder) made a promise and forgot," he said. "We all make mistakes. Most of us simply have to apologize for them."

The only thing accomplished by this is just to give Republicans a little more ammunition to use in 2006, and that's really the last thing Democrats need to be doing.