Political Scientist Cody in NPR Story

University of Maine political scientist Howard Cody was interviewed by National Public Radio for a report on whether public referenda weaken legislative authority for elected lawmakers, when laws can be overturned by popular vote. Cody said voters’ ability to overrule elected legislators’ decisions, particularly on contentious social or economic issues, can “cow” legislators and even the governor, leaving them excessively cautious about raising taxes, for example.

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