Executive‐Legislative Relations: Governor George Allen's Virginia

Abstract

For the most part, contemporary governors are skillful practitioners of “communication, conciliation, compromise, and cooperation. They inform legislative leaders of their intentions, welcome their counsel on strategy, tactics, and substance, and exercise personal and political restraint.” During his first two years in office, Virginia Governor George Allen ran against this line of thought. This paper explores both the policy and political utility of these unconventional efforts. Specifically, it evaluates the relationship between the governor and the state legislature as a zero‐sum power game or one marked by interdependence and bargaining, thus necessitating cooperation and compromise if a heightened level of gubernatorial success is to be enjoyed.