Mitch ran on a reform platform, the pursuance of which brings about concentrated costs and diffuse benefits, the exact opposite of what usually gets politicians re-elected. I believe that his lackluster approval ratings are a reflection of this, and I hope that this pretty good speech helps highlight the benefits every Hoosier unknowingly enjoys. This speech should bring Daniels some much-needed political capital, because otherwise, he's as depauperated as the State budget.

And this is extremely significant for the second part of the SotS Address, wherein Daniels pushes for further reform. (I'll note here that some Lilliputians should stop complaining that a Reform Governor is carrying out his campaign promises.) Namely, Daniels proposed reforming education, local government, property taxes, infrastructure, and transportation. In order to move forward on these issues, Daniels will have to combat entrenched special interests far more belligerent than anything he encountered last year (and remember how petty and ugly last year was).

At this point, I think prospects are doubtful. I'm no political strategist, but it is apparent that a few things need to happen. First, Daniels has to improve his approval rating, and he can do this without pandering to special interests. As in his address, he needs to communicate with Hoosier voters, to let them know that the benefits from his policies are going to far outweigh the inconvenience of shutting down their local BMV branch. In the parlance of the day, he needs a 'Charm Offensive.' His campaign shows he can do this. Second, we need more discipline in the General Assembly. Brian Bosma needs to start focusing on real issues, not pretend ones like prayer in the chamber (I might add, blasphemously, 'for Chrissake, already!") Besides setting appropriate priorities, it will also mean legislators giving up their egos, especially on local government reform (and on this point, Leo Morris has some very optimistic comments). Third, the Republican leadership need to play better political ball. So far, the reform has gone forward with little finesse, and skillfully crafted campaigns would actually generate political capital. And how about playing a little D, guys?

Whether all of Daniels' proposals succeed or fail, there may be one thing in which to take much consolation, best summed up by Leo Morris, "Whomever the Democrats find to run against Daniels, I doubt he or she will be able to argue plausibly that we can just return to the way things were. The governor has changed the nature of the debate. In a state as conservative (in the sense of "resistant to change") as Indiana, that's no small accomplishment."