Posted on 02/09/2005 9:04:35 AM PST by NormsRevenge
By happenstance, a multifaceted scandal is driving Secretary of State Kevin Shelley out of office just as a power struggle between Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic legislative leaders is hitting a critical stage - and the governor's choice of a successor to Democrat Shelley is being colored by the escalating battle.
Legislative leaders are virtually begging Schwarzenegger to appoint a caretaker who wouldn't seek election to a new term in 2006, but he's planning to name a Republican - perhaps a Latino - who would, in fact, run in 2006 and begin rebuilding the otherwise nonexistent bench of statewide GOP political figures.
--snip--
The Republican governor sees it as a potential no-lose situation for him. If he chooses someone with strong public credentials for the office and the nominee is confirmed, Republicans will have a new statewide officeholder.
If his choice were to be rejected, however, Schwarzenegger could cite it as proof that the Legislature is dominated by entrenched interests and use it as ammunition in his crusade for four ballot measures that would directly challenge Democratic legislators and public employee unions, one he characterized Tuesday as "the people and the governor against the legislators. ... "
Were the nominee were to be a Latino, it would set up a wedge-driving scenario analogous to President Bush's controversial nomination of longtime legal aide Alberto Gonzales as attorney general - daring Democrats to block confirmation of someone from an immigrant family. Ultimately, Gonzales was approved.
Former U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marín, former Corporations Commissioner (and candidate for insurance commissioner) Gary Mendoza and White House aide Ruben Barrales, a former San Mateo County supervisor, have all been mentioned as Latino possibilities, along with newly elected state Sen. Abel Maldonado.
(Excerpt) Read more at sacbee.com ...
Go Arnie!
Like President Bush, the Democrats have underestimated the Govenator!
NR,
If you are in the listening range of KMJ580 A.M. Ray Appleton is discussing this and redistricting now.
Thanks for the heads-up!
YW!!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.