The Dimensions of
Gubernatorial Power
Tyler Arnot
Jordan Bell
Kristina Connolly
Andrea Tacconi
Michigan’s Gubernatorial Power
Governor: Jennifer Granholm
Lt. Governor: John Cherry Jr.
Institutional Powers: (3.6/3.5)
4 year term, only 2 terms permitted
Full responsibility of Budget, Legislature has unlimited power
to change executive Budget
Item Veto with majority of legislature vote to override
Simple minority in both Houses
Governor appoints, Legislature approves in six functional areas
Personal Powers: (4.5/3.8)
Electoral Mandate: Narrow majority of 3 - 5 points
Ambition Ladder: Steady Progression
Future: Early in term, can run again
Job Performance: Over 60% positive approval rating
Wisconsin’s Gubernatorial Power
Governor: Jim Doyle
Lt. Governor: Barbara Lawton
Institutional Powers: (3.3/3.5)
4 year term, no restraint on reelection
Full responsibility of budget, Legislature has unlimited power to
change executive budget
Item veto and majority of legislature vote to override
Simple Minority in both houses
Governor appoints, Legislature approves in six functional areas
Personal Powers: (4.5/3.8)
Electoral mandate: narrow majority of 3-5 points
Ambition ladder: steady progression
Future: early in term, can run again
Job performance: over 60% positive job approval rating
Minnesota’s Gubernatorial Power
Governor: Tim Pawlenty
Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
Institutional Powers: (3.8/3.5)
4 year term, no restraint on reelection
Full responsibility of Budget, Legislature has unlimited power
to change executive Budget
Item Veto with majority of legislature vote to override
Split control in the legislature [House (R) Senate (DFL)]
Governor approves and shares appointment in six functional
areas
Personal Powers: (4.0/3.8)
Electoral Mandate: 6-10 points
Ambition Ladder: Legislative Leader/Member of Congress
Future: Early in term, can run again
Job Performance: 50-59% positive approval rating
Iowa’s Gubernatorial Power
Governor: Tom Vilsack
Lt. Governor: Sally Pederson
Institutional Powers: (3.7/3.5)
4 year term, no restraint on reelection
Full responsibility of budget, Legislature has
unlimited power to change executive budget
Item veto and a special majority vote of legislature to override
Split control in legislature [Senate (R) House (R)]
Someone else points, governor approves or shares appointment
Personal Powers: (4.5/3.8)
Electoral Mandate: comfortable majority of 6 to 10 points
Ambition Ladder: steady progression
Future: early in term, can run again
Job Performance: 50 to 59% positive approval rating
Power as Governor:
Tom Vilsack – Iowa (D)
Priorities
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Economy
Education
Health
Safe Communities
Environment
Political Success
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Ambition
Bills Enacted
Popularity