Hollywood playing huge election role-Star power aids campaigns in fierce fight for media attention

Sacramento Bee ^ | 10/29/6 | Laura Mecoy

[SmithL]

A dozen television and still cameras greeted actor Robert Redford when he went to a hilltop last week to declare his support for Proposition 87, the oil tax initiative on the Nov. 7 ballot.

Even more cameras were in Malibu last weekend when Pierce Brosnan, Daryl Hannah, Halle Berry and other movie stars joined surfers in protesting a proposed offshore liquefied natural gas terminal.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a celebrity in his own right, is raking in campaign cash from the likes of movie director James Cameron, former co-star Danny DeVito and fellow action hero Sylvester Stallone.

Hollywood, long a leading player in California politics, is taking a starring turn in this year's election season because of the rise of celebrity news coverage and the heated competition for media attention.

"A lot of television coverage, in particular, is celebrity-driven and not focused on the issues that are of serious consequence to the voters," said Brian Brokaw, a spokesman for Schwarzenegger's gubernatorial rival, Democrat Phil Angelides. "Sometimes, you have to have a celebrity to break through."

. . . "We got more coverage than some movie premieres get," she said. "I was shocked. I'm used to these kinds of environmental press conferences where you are praying reporters will show up."

Three days later, when Redford went to Elysian Park to endorse Proposition 87, the entertainment show "Extra" and celebrity photographers were among the news outlets on hand.

With Hollywood producer Stephen Bing bankrolling the initiative, Proposition 87 has attracted the most celebrity support of any California measure this year.

Julia Roberts, Jamie Lee Curtis, James Caan and Ben Affleck have appeared on its behalf, leading to media reports that left opponents fuming in frustration.

"It has become another day, another celebrity," said "No on 87" spokesman Scott Macdonald.

[SmithL]

[Brilliant]

Fine. Hollywood can share the blame when the libs trash the economy.

[Brilliant]

Difficult to see how Santorum and Burns got on that list. It must be in the definition of "entertainment industry."

Probably includes the hotel industry, or something like that.

[weegee]

Hollywood can spend their money on politicians as much as they want. Just like the trial lawyers. I can still call them slime and boycott their product.

Overpaid and out of touch. They don't need my financial support.

[steve8714]

Vegas entertainers and casino owners?

[WilliamofCarmichael]

On a national level the "stars" sure helped last time. Sure.

But in California they have been effective.

Over the years they have connedvinced many.

As it is in movies so it is in elections here.

("connedvinced" is certainly an appropriate word. I thought was original but it has been used -- I got two hits on an Internet search. )

[Stepan12]

Stephen Bing? The 'Patron saint of strippers' and Elizabeth Hurley's sperm donor is supporting various Liberal political causes?

That's reason enough for me to support them. /sarc

[T Lady]

*PING*

...Haven't gone to see a single movie this year, at least any I've had to pay for anyway (I saw 'The Devil Wears Prada' aboard a cruise ship on my vacation--don't bother to see it, the book is much better). I second the motion on these preening peacocks not needing or deserving any financial support from any hardworking Red State/County American citizen, especially since they seem to hate us and the President so much.

The heck with them.