That s not exactly the message George W. wants to convey to the investor class this year. As governor, Ridge has compiled a mixed record. If you compare him to what conservatives would like, he doesn t look so good. Ridge has reformed welfare and worker s compensation, held out against gun control, and signed more than 200 death warrants. Ridge has cut business taxes, but these remain high compared with other states.
School choice is another sore point.
The state legislature came close to passing it several times in the 1990s, both before and during Ridge s time in office. The governor has lobbied for the cause-but many Pennsylvania conservatives wonder if he s really done enough. Following his big reelection win in 1998, they felt that Ridge had amassed the political capital to make a successful push for vouchers. He was at the height of his political power, and he chose to build skyboxes. Conservatives also grumble about Ridge s personnel decisions.