Consider this hypothetical. A new governor takes office along with a substantially new legislature. On day one, the governor fires hundreds of attorneys, engineers and other state employees. Most of those dismissed are longtime classified government workers who have developed expertise in matters related to state contracts, procurement, administrative procedure and, in the case of engineers, road and bridge design and construction practices. All of the new employees hired to replace them are paid substantially more than their predecessors. Most have made campaign contributions to the governor or well-placed legislators.