Gov. Doug Ducey updates reporters on COVID-19 during a news conference in Phoenix June 17, 2020. Photo by Michael Chow/The Arizona Republic | Pool photo
Gov. Doug Ducey has been facing a storm of questions about whether or not he’s been slow to react to Arizona’s rising coronavirus numbers. Without fail, Ducey’s allies run to his defense, claiming the governor isn’t cautious but rather “measured” and “deliberate.”
But if we look back on Ducey’s time in the governor’s office, it’s difficult to describe his leadership style as anything other than timid.
Like President Donald Trump, Ducey surrounds himself with the “best people.” So much so that he’s been forced to demand resignations from at least half a dozen of the agency heads he’s appointed.
Unlike Trump, Ducey doesn’t relish firing people. He hesitates through numerous scandals until public pressure is so immense that he can no longer avoid the situation.