The party oath

Think partisanship is getting out of hand in America? Try this, reported from an editoral in the Juneau Empire, Alaska. Hopefully it is not a sign of things to come, but I'm running out of hope:

Thumbs down to the Alaska Republican legislative leaders who continue to undermine democracy by demanding that GOP members vote not with their conscience, but with their party. This week House Republicans did away with the pledge legislators were forced to sign to indicate that they would vote with party leaders on budget and procedural matters. Majority lawmakers are still expected to vote with their party, but leaders will take them at their word, rather than force them to sign a paper.

Rep. Bob Lynn's experience is a classic example of what's wrong with this system. Last spring the party took way the Anchorage Republican's committee chairmanship because he dared to maintain a campaign promise and voted with Democrats on the Longevity Bonus for seniors. The current system makes campaign promises more of a joke than they already are. Don't believe that a Republican lawmaker is really going to carry through with a pledge to his constituents if it doesn't line up with the will of party leaders. In other words, lawmakers can't really do what's best for their community if it clashes with the party line.