A new governor was sworn in just after midnight on January 2, 2017. This marks a new chapter in the complex US – Puerto Rican relationship.

Governor Ricardo Rossello of the Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP- New Progressive Party) replaced Alejandro Garcia Padilla of the Partido Popular Democrático  (PPD – Popular Democratic Party). Padilla chose not to run for reelection. Historically, the PNP has been pro-statehood and loosely associated with the mainland Republican party. The PPD, loosely associated with the Democrats, has been pro-commonwealth. There is a pro-independence party (Partida Independentista Puertorriqueño, PIP) but it receives too few votes to be registered in general elections.

The inauguration is a day long celebration. People travel from around the island to attend. They gather at the Capitol and along the route to La Fortalezza, the governor’s mansion. After addressing both houses of the legislature, the governor and his family, in accordance with long-standing tradition, walk from the Capitol to the mansion. As you can imagine, this is a challenge for the security detail.

Security was evident everywhere. There were patrol boats off shore, just to the north of the Capitol. Motorcycle police where everywhere. Helicopters and drones kept an eye on things from above. And former US Presidents kept a watchful eye on the proceedings.

The procession started from the north side of the Capitol, passed the south side of Castillo San Cristobal, wound around Plaza Colon, and then headed up Calle Fortalezza to the mansion. A group of students from an arts high school in Bayamon provided entertainment. They were dressed in period costumes and performed Puerto Rican dances, some with a distinct Afro-Caribbean flavor, There were four cruise ships in port; the visitors must have been impressed as they kept asking to have their pictures taken with students.

The procession began with a 21 gun salute from 105 mm howitzers on the north side of the Capitol. I knew the Governor was getting close when the TV truck showed up. He greeted and mingled with the crowd along the way. That must have given the security detail apoplexy.

 

Governor Rossello’s first actions demonstrate his interest in statehood for Puerto Rico. He asked his government’s Resident Counselor (a non-voting member of Congress representing Puerto Rican interests) to introduce a bill in the House of Representatives to start the statehood process. He stated he would conduct an island-wide referendum with two choices: statehood or independence. There will be no option for an improved Commonwealth status. And he promised to hold an election to help force the issue, the Tennessee Gambit.

Now, the US Constitution is not very clear as to the process for a new state to join the union. Congress is given the authority in Article IV, Section s, clause 2:  “The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States…”

Typically, Congress has adopted the following steps:

• The territory holds a referendum to determine the people’s desire for or against statehood.
• If a majority votes for statehood, the territory petitions Congress
• Both the House and the Senate agree to statehood via a simple majority vote.
• The President signs the resolution granting statehood.

So, Governor Rossello has started the process by asking for a referendum and petitioning Congress for a statehood resolution. He plans on more. The population of Puerto Rico is about 3.5 million, roughly the same as Connecticut. Puerto Rico would thus become the 29th or 30th most populous state. The Nutmeg State has, like all states, two senators, and, apportioned by population, five congressional districts; Puerto Rico would have the same number of representatives. Governor Rossello proposes to create five congressional districts and hold elections for two senators and five representative prior to statehood, a move seen here as designed to force the issue in Washington. This tactic has been called, here in Puerto Rico, the Tennessee gambit.

This may not work. Tennessee elected two senators before being admitted to the union, but the US Senate did not recognize them.  William Blount and William Cocke had to be reelected after statehood was granted, on July 1, 1796. Andrew Jackson was elected the state’s lone representative, but only after statehood had been granted.

By the way, it cannot be said that Rossello won a ringing endorsement for his plans. In a four way race, he won 42% of the vote. His closest rival, from the PPD, won about 38% of the vote, with the remainder going to two candidates representing minor parties.

These are interesting times here in Puerto Rico. Of course, they are also interesting on the mainland. Stay tuned.

 

Sources: See Wikipedia entries for Tennessee statehood, US States’ populations, and various news stories.