I think it's actually the opposite, that he is (somewhat) socially conservative, but knows that's a hard sell here in California, so he tempers his positions toward the left.
In any case, though I guess I'm in the minority on FR, I like Ahnold. I think that at least you know where you stand with him, since he tends to say what he thinks and let the devil take the hindmost. And I hope he manages to get his redistricting proposition through! Goodness knows we need it.
Whenever I've heard him talk about issues he's always said this is what I did, and this is why I did it, it was the best decision I could make with the situation I had in front of me. He is a straight talker and they are few and far between. California would be foolish not to reelect him.
Course, I used to say that about George Bush too.
... but I thought "we" elected a Republican... or is that just part of that being 'bipartisan' thing we endure today? :-}
btw,, interesting profile page.
You must be a kinder gentler moderate/liberal... surviving here at FR this long. ;-)
PS.. I rescue cats too, or used to,, Good job!