Posted on 09/16/2005 2:46:40 PM PDT by calcowgirl
SAN DIEGO – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Friday announced his plans to seek re-election in 2006, saying he intends to "follow through" and seek a second term to finish the job he started.
"Here's the bottom line: I said I am a follow-through guy; I have learned that from sports. In every sport you learn about following through: in golf about swinging through, in tennis we follow through, in skiing we finish the turn," he said.
"I learned most of my lessons from sports. So, of course we are going to follow through with this here. I'm not in there for three years.. . . To finish the job, I'm in there for seven years. Yes, I will run for governor next year."
He made his announcement at the end of an appearance at 4th and B Theater in downtown San Diego in which he took questions from the audience and continued campaigning for the three initiatives he is backing on the November ballot.
Dozens of protesters – including nurses from the California Nurses Association and local teachers and firefighters – demonstrated outside the building. They oppose the ballot measures Schwarzenegger has scheduled for a Nov. 8 special election.
The 58-year-old Schwarzenegger, who has been hinting at a re-election bid for weeks, is scheduled to address the state Republican Party convention on Saturday. Political observers believe his announcement was timed to generate excitement among Republican activists.
During his speech, Schwarzenegger called the governor's office "the best job I've ever had" and outlined progress he said he's made toward California's fiscal recovery and in reforming the state's workers compensation system.
He said the three November ballot measures he is backing – propositions 74, 76 and 77 – would bring needed reforms to the state.
"You sent me to Sacramento to fix the broken system. Let us continue working together so we can fix it," he said.
After his opening remarks, the governor took a variety of questions from several invited guests at the "town hall" style event before he wrapped up by announcing his candidacy.
Schwarzenegger had previously said he would not reveal whether he planned to run again until after the special election.
He said he decided to make the announcement Friday because he "got the question several times this last week from various different people if I run again or not."
Schwarzenegger won a recall election in 2003 that ousted Democratic governor Gray Davis, riding a wave of voter discontent over electricity shortages and rising electric rates.
However, as the incumbent this time around, Schwarzenegger may find it harder to keep his new role than it was to win it.
According to a Field Poll released last week, only 36 percent of California voters said they are leaning toward re-electing Schwarzenegger.
State Treasurer Phil Angelides and Controller Steve Westly have announced they will seek the Democratic nomination.
Recent public opinion polls show most voters oppose the special election that Schwarzenegger has called for Nov. 8, and that none of the initiatives that Schwarzenegger is backing have strong support.
One proposition would make teachers wait longer to become permanent employees, a second would set limits on state spending and allow the governor to make midyear budget cuts under certain conditions and a third would strip lawmakers of the power to draw district boundaries.
The initiatives are aimed at checking the power of the Democrat-controlled Legislature and the state's public employee unions. The unions have countered with a costly campaign of television advertisements critical of the governor.
Alan Bersin, the former superintendent of San Diego city schools, who now is serving as the state's education secretary, appeared at Friday's event and spoke in support of the ballot initiatives.
"It is our last clear chance and we have a hero – a real action hero – to lead us," Bersin said.
Arnold has done rather well in Kalifornia.
How so? Please elaborate.
Half a loaf is better than none?
He prevented outright tax increases, rolled back the car tax, started workers' comp on the way to reform, and vetoed driver's licenses for illegals and gay marriage.
It's not what we'd have with a Governor McClintock, but it's a heck of a lot better than we had or would have with Governor Davis or Governor Bustamante.
What is it that you like, in particular?
40% increase in debt load?
Double digit growth in spending?
Weapons Bans?
The socialistic Sierra Nevada Conservancy?
Taxpayer subsidized stem cell research scam?
Taxpayer subsidized hydrogen highways?
Taxpayer subsidized solar roofs?
Democrat Judicial appointments?
Other leftists appointed to high level positions?
Other?
Now tell me, oh most high GOPrincess... What the hell is Gerald Parsky doing running for Governor against A.S.??? Would you be trying to scare me that he would beat Darrell Issa if A.S. weren't yet in the race??? Wait! I forgot!! Maybe Parsky is your cup of tea!!!
What are you tryin ta pull here, young calcowgirl???
Let the "smart money" start betting against him. You can't beat somebody with nobody. The California rats will fall all over themselves to get at him because they think he is weak. But the "primary rule" will squeeze out the acceptable rat candidates and leave some guy to the left of Fidel Castro.
Let the "smart money" start betting against him. You can't beat somebody with nobody. The California rats will fall all over themselves to get at him because they think he is weak. But the "primary rule" will squeeze out the acceptable rat candidates and leave some guy to the left of Fidel Castro.
Rumor has it that Arnold entered politics because his acting career was waning. He has had only one $100 million grossing movie ("T3") since "Eraser."
By swiping much of local government's share of property taxes, he forced the tax and fee increases on local government. It's an increase in the cost of government either way.
rolled back the car tax,
That would have been tossed by the courts as it has before.
started workers' comp on the way to reform,
If you call a 20% reduction after a 100% increase reform, go for it. All he had to do was to copy Arizona's law and he didn't do it.
vetoed driver's licenses for illegals
After a unanimous veto-proof legislative recision and with a referendum on its way, you call signing the bill an accomplishment? Meanwhile he continues to negotiate with Cedillo TO GIVE DRIVER LICENSES TO ILLEGALS. This is a non-accomplishmnet.
and gay marriage.
Arnold signed two domestic partners bills that greatly expanded the rights of homosexuals to be marriage in all but name.
You're living in a dream world.
I was trying to understand the posters conclusion as to Arnold having "done well" in California.
Perhaps my question should have been: "Done well for whom?"
>>The guy has the left spending part of a billion against him
"Part of a billion"? Kind of a wide range, don't you think? ($0.01 - $999,999,999.99).
Can't you narrow that a bit?
As Governor he more than most has the will and personality to drive the voters to the polls if he chooses to work it. I think the left has pissed him off and he chooses to battle on.
I'm going to bookmark this and after the election we can take a look at how much they actually spend, okay? I know Arnold has thrown the $200 million number around, but that hasn't been panning out if you look at disclosure reports. IMO, those numbers are grossly exaggerated. As of last month, CNN reported they had spent $500K.
Now, I can see them opposing the Paycheck Protection act vehemently. But, then again, Arnold hasn't endorsed that one.
Arnold is flashing a light on the real issues and they don't like it.
Real issues? The redistricting measure will take the republican party to the left, IMO. The spending measure will guarantee continued high spending and issue more debt. Overall, the dems should be pretty happy with that.
There are three issues in California. In their order of significance:
1) Excessive spending.
2) Illegal immigration
3) Control of California's legislature by organized labor.
Let's review what Schwarzenegger has been flashing
1) Spending --- Schwarzenegger is among the biggest in the state's history proposing double digit budget increases.
2) Illegal immigration --- deportation, identification or extrodinary fees for foreign nationals who use California's public infrastuture is out according to Schwarzenegger.
3) Union influence --- has recommended changes but has refused to take meaningful action. Has never been sued in California's liberal courts for an action, of any kind, to curb union influence and their demand on public monies.
Excessive spending is from the California legislature.
Arnold is pushing the proposition that reduces state spending coming up in the special election. I don't think that sounds anything like what you are saying.
Arnold is agaisnt the control of unions and the current power structure of the legislature.
This is best evidenced by the many many millions being spent by unions and Democrats to tear the Governor a new one and pulverize his ratings among the voters.
Illegal immigration has to be handled by the fed as well as with what the state can do.
As long as the Democrats and unions have the power in Califonria, the illegals have permission to attend our schools at a cost of billions and all the other expenses.
The enemy is the Democrats and unions, not Arnold.
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