Assignment 10/25/14

"...it seems likely that both the degree of party competition and a state's system of legislative apportionment would affect its readiness to ac- cept change. It would seem that parties which often faced closely contested elections would try to out-do each other by embracing the newest, most progressive programs and this would naturally encourage the rapid adoption of innovations."- page 885, The American Political Science Review, Jack L. walker

This passage is basically pointing out on how the possible reason as to why certain states are more innovative that others is because the political parties have stayed constant, as to when there is competition there seems to be more encouragement and pressure for politicians to do innovative things.  Each political party would try to out-do one another and offer different ideas which can be a good thing for the country since it would offer choices.  In this way it would encourage for people and politicians to become faster adopted to innovation.

I chose this passage because I thought it was a very valid reason as to why innovation happens and also because I have noticed the different approaches that the politicians running for governor use.  If one looks at the websites of the candidates one can see the difference in approaches.  It seems that the present governor, (Cuomo) seems to be taking a more laid back approach towards the elections that are to come, and his opponent (Astorino) takes an approach that is more on the offense side.  Cuomo seems to be looking for more supporters, making use of his history to show possible voters of what he has done and is capable of doings, as for Astorino he is criticizing the actions of Cuomo, Astorino is attempting to use opposers of Cuomo and turn them into his supporters.  Overall I found it interesting because it is something relevant at the time, and I think it can go both ways, we can either stay and make progressive adoptions to more innovative ideas, or we can switch and backtrack, it is a vise versa thing.  I just found it very relevant.