In this interview, John C. Pierce, a distinguished professor of public affairs at Kansas University, shares insights into the impact of political polarization on state legislatures. He discusses the findings from a comprehensive study that examines how registered lobbyists and legislative liaison officers perceive civil discourse in all 50 states. Pierce highlights the diminishing bipartisanship exemplified by figures like Tom Foley, emphasizing how polarization has affected legislative dynamics over time. The interview sheds light on the challenges posed by increased polarization and offers a nuanced understanding of its implications for democratic governance at the state level.
