Schwarzenegger stumps for Propositions 57, 58 in Beverly Hills

Bakersfield Californian ^ | 2/12/04 | Laura Wides -AP

[NormsRevenge]

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday night promised 1,200 civic and business leaders to work "like a machine" until two propositions to close California's budget deficit were approved by voters.

"You know I'm like a machine. I won't stop talking until we get this done," said Schwarzenegger, standing before a backdrop of images of palm trees at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Schwarzenegger likened Propositions 57 and 58 to treatment for spending addicts. The proposals call for $15 billion in bonds to help balance the state's budget and for a constitutional amendment prohibiting such borrowing in the future. Californians will vote on the measures on March 2.

"If we work together we can pass Propositions 57 and 58," he said. "We can make this state again the Golden State."

The event, which marked the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce's 150th annual inaugural dinner, was also attended by former Gov. Gray Davis, former Secretary of State Warren Christopher and incoming Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt. It honored billionaire Eli Broad and Kent Kresa, former chief executive and chairman of defense giant Northrop Grumman Corp., for their work in the community.

Maria Shriver also spoke at the event, recalling a recent dinner she and her husband had with Davis during which Schwarzenegger talked about politics and Gray Davis talked about acting.

"I thought it was the twilight zone," she said.

Earlier Thursday, Schwarzenegger pumped up a crowd of about 2,000 parents, teachers and students during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new school gymnasium in Claremont.

During a five-minute speech, Schwarzenegger praised El Roble Intermediate School for its sports and fitness programs and for its after-school activities.

Schwarzenegger was greeted by about a dozen student protesters who held signs that read "Pay Our Teachers" and "Stop Cutting Education."

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Associated Press reporter Veronica Torrejon in Claremont contributed to this report.

[NormsRevenge]

Maria Shriver also spoke at the event, recalling a recent dinner she and her husband had with Davis during which Schwarzenegger talked about politics and Gray Davis talked about acting.

"I thought it was the twilight zone," she said.

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That's what a lot of us are thinking these days too. :-\

[tubebender]

Are we going to have to pay for Arnolds "counseling" when these bonds of previous pork go down in flames?

Of course we will...