McGauthaSimoné McGauthaDr. Anne-Marie FoleyMissouri State SenateProgress Report 312 April 2013A. Two Week SummaryOver the past two weeks, I have worked more and more on analyzing bills that are being read in sessions. What analyzing consists of is reading a bill and writing down points that both Democrats and Republicans can say to either oppose the bill or be in favor of it. The reason Senator Holsman has been having me do this is so that I could be able to critically think and combat my opposition’s ideas. B. Professional Activities and Competencies I honestly thought the activity was pointless when Senator Holsman was explaining it to me. However, after I began working on it, I was able to see both sides of an argument. At the beginning of the assignment, it was kind of difficult for me to put my views aside and think like Republican, but I feel this activity makes me more of a stronger politician. I am able to see all sides of an argument and weigh all pros and cons regardless of what I believe is “right.” Senator Holsman explained to me that this is the process he goes through to make a decision for the people of Kansas City. He doesn’t just go with a decision because it is the “democrat” choice to make, instead he makes a decisions based on which has the least amount of cons; and sometimes,that may be the “republican” choice. C. Processes of Government 1McGauthaUntil this week, I did not realize that although the Democratic and Republican Parties have similar aims and similar forms, they are different in some very important ways. These can be seen not so much in policy outcomes, which must pass through the filter of political reality, asin the mode by which internal politics is conducted. The difference is not one of politics, but of political culture. Senator Holsman also made me research major differences between the two parties and I have found out two major differences. The first one is structure: In the Democratic Party power flows upward and in the Republican Party power flows downward. The people (citizens) are the main concern of the Democratic party, whereas in the Republican party the main concern is the people in power, then everyone else. The second is the attitude of the parties.Republicans perceive themselves as insiders even when they are out of power and Democrats perceive themselves as outsiders even when they are in power. The difference in the flow of power can be seen in the national conventions. When not in session, the time of delegates attending the Democratic Convention is largely occupied with caucus meetings. In addition to state caucus meetings there are caucus meetings for any group which wishes to call one. For the most part, the DNC makes space available for these meetings.Republicans do not attend caucuses apart from those of their states. They go to receptions. These receptions are usually closed and by invitation only. Invitations may not always be hard to find, but they are required. Receptions are privately sponsored, with each group responsible for getting its own space. There may be some speeches, but no debate is asked for or expected. Republican receptions do have one major characteristic in common with Democratic caucuses; they are both places for demonstrating the status of the group and individuals within it.D. Public Policy and Missouri Issues and Challenges2McGauthaLast week, Senator Holsman proposed SB 92, which “Imposes contribution limits for individuals and committees in support of candidates running for public office. Surcharges will beimposed upon committees that accept or give contributions exceeding the limits.” The reason behind this bill is because there has been a lot of instances where contributions made to Senators would affect the way they are voting on bills. With SB 92, there would be a limit on the amount of money received that is considered to be contributions. For example, the limits are as follows for contributions made by or accepted from any person other than the candidate and all committees:• $10,000 for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, or Attorney General.• $5,000 for Senators.• $2,500 for Representatives.• $2,500 for any other office, including judicial office if the population of the area is under 100,000.• $5,000 for any other office, including judicial office if the population of the area is between 100,000 and 250,000.• $10,000 for any other office, including judicial office if the population of the area is over 250,000.E. Reflections of LeadershipOne of the tasks of leadership that I have experienced at the Capitol is envisioning goals. This isn’t just the most important task, but also very essential to any leader. Senator Holsman, told me the goals and timelines of these goals he had set at the beginning of his term. He 3McGauthaexplained how it would all be achieved within in four years and hopefully for his next term as well. I now have a better understanding of his passion, his plan while in office and vision for the great city of Kansas City. F. Future GoalsI am looking forward to finishing out this semester strong. My senator has done a lot to help me transition from his office to life after working in his office. Such as the critical thinking activity that I can use in many different everyday situations. Also, the ways of looking at decisions that Senators make. I now know that although I don’t necessarily believe in all of the ideas Republicans come up with or bills that they pass, I do understand that those decisions are most likely made after the pros and cons have been made. I am honestly just eager to watch CNNor HLN and apply what I have learned from the critical thinking activity to what I am watching on television.
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