Why Democrats backed off education budget

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 6/13/5 | Phillip Matier, Andrew Ross

[SmithL]

Democrats' decision not to fight Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger over education funding in this year's budget was prompted largely by the politics of the expected special election -- and a lack of support from the education lobby, which didn't want yet another ballot fight.

According to Democratic legislators -- who spoke on background -- there was a growing feeling among the House and Senate leadership that the ongoing fight between Schwarzenegger and the public employee unions was going to overshadow any serious discussion of the budget.

"Between the attitude of the governor and the reaction of the unions, the Legislature is fighting to just stay relevant,'' said one lawmaker who was in on the talks.

[goldstategop]

Do tell! The folks in the State Legislature have an approval rating equivalent to Al Qaeda's. And their being front guys for the unions doesn't help.

(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)

[Alia]

"Who spoke on background"? ROFLMAO!!!!

And the Dems are saying this after organizing all those ugly protests against the Governor.. Teachers, Nurses... Oh. That's right. They need to take the high ground. And pretend. Er, put on the face of PeeWee Herman.. "I meant to do that".