Punishing a good deed is the Capitol way

This editorial originally appeared in the March 18 edition of the Juneau Empire.

Sometimes, it doesn’t pay to be honest. Especially in politics.

Rep. Lora Reinbold, R-Eagle River, voted against her caucus recently by saying no to the House Finance Committee-drafted state operating budget. In her mind, its $229 million reduction in state spending didn’t do enough to address the state’s looming $3.5 billion deficit.

The problem is majority members aren’t allowed to vote against their caucus on topics like the budget.

“In any organization you have rules, and if you don’t follow the rules you have consequences,” House Speaker Mike Chenault said last week, adding that Reinbold “chose to leave the caucus.”

It’s not a rule you’ll find written down, however. It’s one of those unwritten commandments of state politics, a gentlemen’s agreement, that isn’t covered in any regulation or bylaw. That doesn’t mean you won’t be made to suffer for breaking it, as Reinbold learned.

She was booted from the majority, stripped of all committee assignments but one, and told three of her four staff members would be let go. That all likely happened after a severe scolding behind closed doors.

“...The inconveniences that I will face are insignificant compared to the inconveniences Alaskans will face if we don’t get our fiscal house in order,” Reinbold said.

We agree.

The House Finance Committee touted its cuts as the largest in state history. But when considering the state is still $3.37 billion in the hole, we don’t see much to get excited about. It’s hard to not feel as though they’re kicking the can down the road to be dealt with next year.

Reinbold voted with her conscience and was punished heavily for it. House leadership diminished her influence and attempted to smack her with the shame stick for not being in lockstep with the rest of the in-crowd. The incident shines a light on the ugly reality of politics.

We applaud Reinbold for her bold action, knowing the repercussions would be immediate. We offer condolences to her staff, who became sacrificial pawns in this unfortunate game of politics. And we offer congratulations to her constituents, who now know with certainty they have an elected official brave enough to walk alone if that’s what her conscience demands.

The retaliation of House leaders made quite a statement, but not necessarily the one they’d intended. Yes, Reinbold has been punished and will be viewed as a pariah to some, but it’s her former majority colleagues who are the villains in this story.

Reinbold should instead be viewed as a champion for how politicians should behave, especially those who consider themselves fiscal conservatives.

The House Majority needs 30 votes to access the state’s Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund. They now only have 26. Getting four minority members to cross the line will come with a price, most likely in the form of a costly budget amendment that will further increase the gap.

Still, if there’s a winner in this scenario, we’d have to say it was Reinbold. She may not have as much influence as before, but she still has her integrity. You can’t buy that. Not even for $229 million.