Governor and Democrats should push for a win in budget battle

The Los Angeles Times ^ | December 22, 2008 | George Skelton

[dbz77]

Reporting from Sacramento -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic legislative leaders are close to agreement on a landmark red-ink reduction package. But to see how close, you'd have to look inside Schwarzenegger's head.

And I don't know anyone in Sacramento who knows how to do that.

When he vowed to veto the $18-billion package of tax hikes and spending cuts that Democrats passed in both houses Thursday, what was that all about?

Was he merely trying to squeeze Democrats for more on his holiday wish list?

Or did he really not want any part of this Democratic scheme, considering it too politically controversial and legally risky?

Was he seizing an opportunity to kiss up to estranged Republicans, who had sent him a letter requesting his veto? Does he just enjoy showboating? Hearing his own voice berating legislators and calling for special sessions?

That's his style. He tries to pressure the Legislature. But the bombast has had diminishing impact, particularly on Republicans. He loves to flee Sacramento for photo-ops. And on Friday, he was in Fresno -- again -- when Democratic leaders were in Sacramento prepared to negotiate.

"He seems to think that we need to be here all the time," Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) told Capitol reporters. "He needs to be here and join us."

[dbz77]

On the subject of budget cuts, George Skelton has always trotted out the blind, the elderly, and the poor as a reason to oppose budget cuts.

and yet, he never writes in his columns how much he has donated to the blind, the elderly, and the poor.

[RC one]

Why should they balance the budget? I’m sure if they wait long enough, our federal government will come along and give them a bailout with our tax dollars.

[napscoordinator]

I was surprised to find out that California is the eighth largest economy in the World. I always heard it was up there but eight? I think California is more important to America than most FREEPERS believe.

[Parley Baer]

LA Times, George Skelton, that is all you need to know about the article.

[Clock King]

I knew already, but I’m sorry: CA needs to crash. And I really hate to good honest people hurt by this, but it is the only way to teach a majority of people a lesson and they need it bad. I saw some news report about a CA government couple (both work in the state government), and the wife is crying because the “mean” Govenator may force job cuts. Jesus, the entitlement mentality was sickening, just sickening. These people have had it cushy and want it to continue, with those of us in the private sector paying their GD salary. Screw them.

[napscoordinator]

I agree with some of your post, but I am worried that a Democrat will get into the governor's mansion next time around. Arnold really screwed the pooch on this one. Plus he actually believes he will be elected Senator over Barbara Boxer???? Can that be possible in your opinion? I mean who would chose Arnold after this disaster???

[goldstategop]

George "Slumberin" Skelton is a lefty. He's far Left for the Los Angeles Times. It shows up in his screeds.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[dbz77]

I suppose that is obvious from how he writes about how budget cuts will hurt the poor while neglecting to mention how much of his time and money he donates to the poor.

[Lancey Howard]

I think California is more important to America than most FREEPERS believe.

Close. California is very important to the scumbag half of America because of its huge number of electoral votes.