Sarah Lenti
Regardless of how you feel about the upcoming 2012 election cycle – which, like it or not, is squarely upon us – there is a positive element to the U.S. presidential election process. For a solid 12 to 14 months, individual states are given the attention they deserve, some more than others.
While it’s unfortunate that not every state can be treated like a battleground – and it is unfortunate – at least there is a window every four years wherein states are taken more seriously. Suddenly, states’ leaders matter, for endorsements and policy promotion. Suddenly, state issues are again honed in on and amplified at a national level.
Fortunately, I would posit that this trend back to the states is being realized at a level that supersedes the U.S. presidential election process. Last month, I wrote about the dawn of the super PAC. Specifically, I said:
“…gone are the days of the RNC. Today is the dawn of the super PAC and outside Republican caucus groups. It’s serious. It’s smart.”
Now, here is what is serious and smart about these outside super PACs and caucus groups: They are prioritizing states over the federal government.
Take, for example, the catchy new State Government Leadership Foundation (SGLF) – a 501(c)(4) affiliated with the one of largest Republican caucuses in the country. You can check out SGLF here. I would encourage you to check out the issue pages (and, yes, for the sake of full disclosure, I am currently working as a policy consultant to SGLF). It’s refreshing to see an entity out there that is focused on the states and real policy issues, without espousing an extremeist agenda.
Here is how SGLF talks about itself:
“The SGLF firmly believes that good policy will ultimately be realized at the state level. As per usual – there is grid-lock in Washington, and the Federal government is out of control and getting absolutely nothing done. Contrast this with the states, who are getting things done – some better than others. America is at its most prosperous and productive when there is limited government, less spending, less taxes, less dictation from Washington; and less encroachment into the states.
“The SGLF intends to help place public policy back into the hands of our states. That’s where we will find leadership and good governance.
“The SGLF is dedicated to educating policymakers and the public about the benefits of smaller government, lower taxes, balanced budgets, and efficiency in governing.”
Politico noted this group’s launch on Thursday, mentioning the fact that the site offers an interactive legislation tracking tool for all of its readers.
This is, indeed, a smart and serious site. It’s hard to argue with promoting states and state leadership, and holding them accountable for meaningful and sensible legislation.
Sarah Lenti is the blogger behind NMPolitics.net’s The Savvy. E-mail her at sarah@nmpolitics.net.