Rendell digs in as new Pa. governor

Governor Ed Rendell has a lot on his plate. Following Tuesday's inauguration, Rendell assumed control of a state plagued with economic woes, partisan bickering and education reform. In addition, the Democrat faces an uphill climb in the Republican-controlled state legislature. In order to pass legislation, he will need to reach across partisan lines and form coalitions, something with which his predecessors have not had much success. "He's going to have his work cut out for him," said Arshad Hasan, president of the Penn College Democrats. "But he has first-hand experience with that as a former mayor of Philadelphia so I think he'll be able to handle it." But chairman of the Penn College Republicans and Daily Pennsylvanian columnist David Copley is not so sure. "While he is clearly charismatic and an excellent politician, I disagree with his agenda," Copley said. "However, with a solid Republican majority, we should be able to block his proposals." Rendell is inheriting a state facing budget deficits and an economic recession that has affected the rest of the country as well. "It's a tough year for governors everywhere," said Political Science Professor Henry Teune. "There's not a lot of bounce in that budget, so he's going to have to use his imagination." One of Rendell's proposed measures for economic revitalization involves using gambling as a form of "painless revenue." The proposal includes putting slot machines at racetracks, thereby generating revenue that is, in effect, voluntary. "It's not a tax so you can choose whether or not to throw away your own money," Hasan explained. Rendell's tax-free idea has fallen under scrutiny for a number of reasons. "There are two issues here," Teune said. "The fact that it might not be worth all the trouble and the issue that comes into play." Rendell's success in revitalizing Philadelphia during his tenure as mayor leads many to think that he will accomplish more of the same as governor. Rendell's ability and charisma have also led to his name being tossed around as a vice-presidential, and even presidential, nominee in 2004 or 2008. "He should be in the pool -- all good governors are," Teune said. "He comes from a big state, he ran a big city and he has had a lot of electoral success. He certainly has the credentials." Annenberg Public Policy Center research fellow David Eisenhower agreed. "Pennsylvania is going to be a huge battleground state in the next few elections, and Rendell is in the spotlight right now," he said. "If he is a successful governor, I would not discount him." Despite the issues facing him, most people feel that Rendell is up to the challenge. "I think he is going to be as energetic and positive a governor as he was a candidate and a mayor and that bodes well for the state," Political Science Department Chairman Jack Nagel said. "His appointments to the cabinet have been really excellent, very high quality people." "He has magnetic energy and is a great politician," Eisenhower said. "I anticipate success."