Response by Rick Thigpen

"The fiscal failings of the previous administrations present the governor with the most pressing of political challenges. While only a very slim plurality believe the deficit is as large as the governor says it is, that response is split sharply along partisan lines. Strong bi-partisan majorities believe that the budget could be balanced by running state government more efficiently and a strong majority of voters seems to oppose any tax increases that they themselves will have to pay. The Governor, who is constitutionally responsible for balancing the state budget, is being given few alternatives in either spending cuts or revenue enhancements that will have the voters' approval.