Mandates and initiative

The contest between Gov. John McKernan and Congressman Joseph Brennan produced suspense but no mandate. Consistent with the nature of the campaign, one man was chosen over the other in response to personal appeal and style, not as an endorsement of a philosophy of governing.

For the loser, Rep. Joseph Brennan, there are the sweet memories of 20 consecutive years of public service punctuated by the disappointment of Tuesday’s loss. Brennan quipped at a Wednesday news conference about having to look now for a real job for the first time in two decades. Those who have observed Joseph Brennan since his days in the state Legislature know the man is down, only temporarily, and not out politically. He’ll be back.

For the winner, Gov. McKernan, there is an awesome political challenge. Two months of quibbling over shortfalls and accounting methodology have obscured the larger, substantive issues: Tax reform and state spending.

Gov. McKernan, in contrast to his first term, will not for the next four years be encumbered by a rigid promise not to raise taxes. Although increasing taxes is contrary to his political instincts and personal philosophy, the governor may find that not being locked into a “no tax” pledge will give him flexibility to participate actively in any restructuring of the state’s tax systems.

State spending may be the political fatted calf of the next four years. Governments increase spending during the good times — Gov. McKernan and Maine lawmakers of both parties were no exception during the boom period of the late 1980s — and if there is any unambiguous message in Tuesday’s vote it is that people do not want government to spend money it does not have.

Politics is a spoils system, and Gov. McKernan should consider adopting one of Brennan’s few constructive suggestions during the campaign: Commission an analysis of state programs and spending.

The Maine Management and Cost Survey ordered by Gov. Kenneth Curtis and the Grace Commission study of the federal bureaucracy under President Ronald Reagan both produced recommendations for cost savings in government and stimulated public debate over programs, management and efficiency in the public sector.

By the time Gov. McKernan leaves office, nearly 20 years will have passed since James Longley made his historic examination of state spending, efficiency and management.

With businesses and homeowners entering lean times, state spending will be a major issue.

Before the political pressure becomes excruciating for either an unnecessary tax increase or for mindless cuts in state spending, the governor should find out where the state is spending its money wisely, and foolishly.

In the absence of a popular mandate, Gov. McKernan should take the initiative.