In the news: Furlong offers take on efforts to end partisan gridlock

Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences Scott Furlong on Monday (Jan. 14) offered his political expertise for a WFRV, Channel 5 story on legislator efforts to end partisan gridlock. Rep. Reid Ribble, R-Sherwood, has joined a new group called Problem Solvers, organized by a grassroots bipartisan movement with the motto of “Stop fighting. Start Fixing.” Such efforts are a good way to bring lawmakers together, Furlong told WFRV’s Matt Leach, but may do little to influence legislation. “It’s going to be hard to use that as a rallying cry,” Furlong said, “if the leadership is saying, ‘well, that’s all well and good, but we don’t want you to vote for that.’ ” Still, joining such groups may please constituents who believe Congress isn’t getting anything done, Furlong said. Full story.