Democratic Governors Prioritize Non-Partisan Problem-Solving for Constituent Needs

Key Quotes

"Social work is why I got into politics and I think it goes back to growing up in the family I grew up in and our faith that really kind of led me to be a social worker. We were usually a middle class family but there were times of struggle and we relied on programs like food stamps but what I saw most for my parents is they had a church community that they really relied on and at times not not relied on but were a part of and so that community really lifted us up at times that we needed it and not everybody has that kind of community."

Governor Katie Hobbs explains that her background in social work is the direct impetus for her political career. She highlights the importance of community support, drawing from her own family's experiences with programs like food stamps and the role of their church community. Hobbs emphasizes that this foundational experience of community support is something not everyone has access to, underscoring a core motivation for her public service.

"I've always approached my role in government whether it was in the legislature or now as governor as a problem solver and you can't get to solving problems if you're focused on the politics if you're focused on this person is a terrible Republican I can never work with them and I've always focused on what we can do to find common ground to get to the solution."

Governor Katie Hobbs articulates her governing philosophy as that of a problem solver, prioritizing collaboration over partisan division. She states that focusing on political animosity prevents progress and that her approach is to seek common ground to achieve solutions. Hobbs believes this strategy has been effective, even in a challenging legislative environment.

"I think the things that matter to people most like a good job safe infrastructure accessible healthcare public safety good public schools aren't partisan... I actually don't even think they are bipartisan because that's some type of deal that people make that they are non partisan and so I think our challenge is how do we get people to approach them as non partisan issues the things that we're just supposed to do for everybody."

Governor Katie Hobbs posits that fundamental issues like employment, infrastructure, healthcare, public safety, and education are inherently non-partisan. She argues that these are not matters for political negotiation but rather essential services that government should provide for all citizens. Hobbs identifies the challenge as shifting public and political perception to view these as universal needs rather than partisan battlegrounds.

"I think both of them ran sort of picture perfect blueprint kinds of campaigns that I think ought to be packaged and sent to every state for every democrat whether they're running for governor senator state legislator because they did it they did it right and they demonstrated I think what we've all been saying is that you know democratic governors really get it we get our people we're out and about amongst the people we talk to the people we listen to the people which is helpful it is very helpful and we don't ignore anybody we go everywhere in our states."

Governor Laura Kelly praises the campaign strategies of candidates in New Jersey and Virginia as exemplary models for Democrats nationwide. She emphasizes that these successful campaigns demonstrated a deep understanding of constituents and a commitment to engaging with people across all areas of their states. Kelly asserts that this approach, characterized by listening and broad outreach, is a key differentiator for Democratic governors.

"I think you're right Andy that's they did exactly that you know they they ignored all of the sort of distracting social issues that you know have been used time and time again to keep people off message both Mikey and Abigail stayed very much on message and when I say that I don't mean that in that cynical political way I mean that their message was to the people I know who you are and I know what you need and I know what you want and I'm going to deliver for that."

Governor Laura Kelly highlights the strategic decision of candidates to focus on core issues rather than being sidetracked by divisive social topics. She explains that their message was directly addressed to the needs and desires of the people, promising to deliver solutions. Kelly clarifies that this focus on constituent needs is not a cynical political tactic but a genuine commitment to serving the electorate.

"I think the first thing was beginning to really appreciate the quiet beauty of the landscape there you know I mean everybody I know what people say about Kansas and how flat it is but when you live there you begin to realize that there's a very subtle beauty there's there's sort of no place like the flint hills but I think then as the longer I lived there and I also happened to get a job where I traveled all over the state I was executive director for the Kansas recreation and park association so I was able to go into every little town all over the state of Kansas wonderful way to get to know the state great way to get to know the people."

Governor Laura Kelly describes her evolving appreciation for Kansas, initially drawn to its subtle landscape beauty and later deepened by her extensive travel across the state for her role with the Kansas Recreation and Park Association. This experience allowed her to connect with the state and its people on a profound level. Kelly found that this broad exposure provided a unique understanding of Kansas and its residents.