That's what the newspapers are saying, with the assumption that Bruno and Silver, paid by lobbyists to keep existing fiscal priorities and self-interested in keeping existing political procedures, are united in opposition. I hope not.
But Spitzer does have another option, one alluded to by Bill Hammond of the Daily News: get people like Tom Suozzi, Tom Golisano, and perhaps even Mike Bloomberg behind at least part of his agenda. All three have shown an interest in structural change, and the first two have shown a willingness to go after the powers that be rather than just sucking up to them. Even Mario Cuomo called for a constitutional convention the last time it was on the ballot.
Spitzer has promised to go to the people if the legislature will not go along with real change. For that to be more than an idle threat, he'll need some deputies. Thus far, while his words have spoken of change, his entourage and supporters have been those who benefit from existing arrangements. There needs to be at least the possibility of consequences in 2008. Otherwise, they powers that be will do nothing.
I’d like to see an indication that if the inside game doesn’t work, Spitzer is prepared to pass the ball out for some three-pointers. Hopefully, when he gives his first few speeches, they’ll be some menacing figures standing just outside the arc.