Oregon Legislative Bipartisanship?

Wikipedia: Bipartisanship is a political situation, usually in the context of a two-party system such as the United States, in which opposing political parties find common ground through compromise.

Websters: Bipartisan – adjective – consisting of or supported by two political parties.

Friday night as the Ways & Means Committee worked late to move to the House and Senate floors a package of bills, several members commented on the bipartisan nature of this legislative session and how it had never been seen before. While it may be true that issues of concern to both parties have succeeded, “bipartisanship” is perhaps not the word that I would chose to describe it.

“Bipartisanship” to me connotes a friendliness and agreement of important issues – a common sense, middle-of-the-road route to public policy. But what we have seen at the legislature is more of a hostage situation where bills have advanced that one party does not like in order for them to see their own issues advance. This is strong-arm strategery, not a philosophical meeting of the minds.

Websters: Hostage – noun, verb – a person given or held as security for the fulfillment of certain conditions or terms, promises, etc., by another.

With about 3,000 bills this session, we had roughly the same amount as in past sessions, but, it seemed like more work because every bill was in play. When one party has overwhelming control of the legislature, many bills are automatically discounted. When you have the close margins we had this session, all issues are alive until the end. This year, we never knew what bill might pop back up because the legislator championing it insisted the bill move so that their vote could be counted on for another issue.

In addition, much of the wrangling for votes and corresponding advancement of particular bills, was done behind the scenes. It was not surprising to see last minute amendments that had been agreed upon by legislators without vetting by stakeholders. The redeeming point here is that I truly believe that most legislators are avid protectors of their constituencies and have only the best outcomes as their goal, despite the political gaming that they must endure.

Websters: Politics – noun – the science or art of political government.
Websters Idiom: Play Politics – a. to engage in political intrigue, take advantage of a political situation or issue, resort to partisan politics, etc.; exploit a political system or political relationships. b. to deal with people in an opportunistic, manipulative, or devious way, as for job advancement.

Shouldn’t “bipartisanship” end in a tie at completion of the game? I look forward to seeing how the media and the public interpret the final round and who goes home with the most game pieces.