Schwarzenegger may be putting himself into a political pitfall

SacBee ^ | 01-06-2006 | Dan Walters

[Amerigomag]

Arnold Schwarzenegger has repeatedly set up himself and his governorship for failure - promising more than he could deliver, reneging when promises collided with fiscal and political reality, overhyping his modest accomplishments, and confusing Californians by abruptly changing his rhetorical tone.

Having reaped what he sowed one might think that Schwarzenegger would approach the governorship more realistically. But he did it again Thursday, pinning his re-election hopes on a grandiose, $222 billion program of public works improvements, and thus digging a pitfall that could be the final resting place of his political career.

Evoking politicians of the past, Schwarzenegger declared that "our systems are at the breaking point now. We will need more, more, more. ...". Heaven knows that California needs massive investment to restore a deteriorating and overtaxed infrastructure - although it relies too heavily on bonds and too little on gas taxes and other user revenue.

Clearly, however, the plan was ginned up as a vehicle to restore Schwarzenegger's popularity. He is, in effect, putting his political eggs into a single basket, hoping that he can move the "strategic growth plan" through a Legislature dominated by those who really want him to fail and then persuade skeptical voters to accept the massive debt that it involves.

It's more than likely that Democratic legislators will seize on the infrastructure package as leverage, demanding that Schwarzenegger give an increase in the minimum wage, modification of workers' compensation reforms, or perhaps driver's licenses for illegal immigrants. If he does allow himself to be squeezed like a navel orange, he'll look weak and desperate, even if he gets his public works bonds, and he'll have problems with his Republican base. If he balks, the bonds would be caught in the stalemate, forcing Schwarzenegger to campaign with another failure on his record.

[Amerigomag]

The legacy of the CAGOP.

What were they thinking?

[John Lenin]

Rinold is toast.

[Pukin Dog]

I was FRee Republic's #1 Arnold backer.

I would not vote for him again if he was the only man running. Such a girly-man cave-in does not deserve any support at all.

[Ben Mugged]

a grandiose, $222 billion program of public works improvements

A Liberal rag criticizing a spending proposal. Imagine that. Now I've see it all. Maybe if it was a Dumocrat proposing the spending? By the way, adios Arnold. True conservatives need to find us another candidate.

[dbostan]

He is bankrupting California along the demsheviks.
He proved to be extremely damaging to the state, as he squandered a huge opportunity to put CA on the right track...

[freekitty]

The problem is he promises(as so many of our politicians do) and don't deliver.

[Wiseghy]

What Republican base?

I don't think Dan gets it. A.S. is an Independent now trying to form a new coalition of moderate dems and a few moderate Reps.

I don't think it will work. There are too few moderates around, and the unions are plotting to take over the state.

[Prime Choice]

The legacy of the CAGOP. What were they thinking?

They, like all the other RINOs, were thinking that it was more important for a Liberal RINO to win than for Republicans to stick by core party platforms and principles.

Keep in mind that the idiots behind this debacle are the very same "big tent" jackwits who think we should go Liberal in 2008 in order to win. They just can't get enough of annihilating the party's core conservative base!

And now it's destroying the CA GOP's future chances for decades to come.

Thanks a lot, RINOs. Now drink up the rest of your spiked Kool-Aid and get the hell outta here!

[Canticle_of_Deborah]

pinning his re-election hopes on a grandiose, $222 billion program

Fiscal conservative bump

[highball]

A Liberal rag criticizing a spending proposal. Imagine that. Now I've see it all. Maybe if it was a Dumocrat proposing the spending?

Why not? We see the reverse here - too many "conservatives" are willing to accept runaway spending so long as a Republican is pushing it....

[highball]

A Liberal rag criticizing a spending proposal. Imagine that. Now I've see it all. Maybe if it was a Dumocrat proposing the spending?

Why not? We see the reverse here - too many "conservatives" are willing to accept runaway spending so long as a Republican is pushing it....

[NormsRevenge]

Herr Gubinor, HD (hype doctorate) ... An Honor Graduate of the PT Barnum School of politic

[Amerigomag]

I don't think Dan gets it. A.S. is an Independent now trying to form a new coalition of moderate dems and a few moderate Reps.

Two observations:

I think Walters does get it. McClatchy's editors just won't let him print it. Could result in larger desertions to Schwarzenegger's new caucus.

Schwarzenegger is looking for more than a few moderate Republicans. There are many in California. Based on the recall election results only about 35% of Republicans in California are conservative. Look at the number of Republican moderates that show up on this forum to harass conservatives.

[43north]

This is what happens with excessive steroid use while a young "bodybuilding" champion: your balls and your brains shrivel up and you become a Lieberal in later life.

[joesnuffy]

Yep and where would CA be right now if Bustamante were the Gov?

Maybe finally ready for McClintock?

Not necessarily...

[NormsRevenge]

Tom has been very vocal about being supportive of infrastructure investment as it is something that will be around and yield return for a long time.

His standing in the eyes of the voters has only been enhanced of recent as he is ahead of any of his likely competitors.

He is running for Lt Gub and is well on his way to that slot, unless another RINO is thrust in the mix with a high Q factor and little else to offer.

We all know, in California, a Republican much less a conservative one's biggest handicap is getting his own party's support financially.

Time will tell who or what may happen to sabotage his onward march to the top.

[goldstategop]

I don't agree with Dan Walter's analysis. The public wants more spending and since they won't be paying the bill (at least not the current generation) what's not to like to about it? There's something there for every one. Every one gets their cut of the pie. Tomorrow be damned - I want it now.

(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")

[Amerigomag]

The public wants more spending and since they won't be paying the bill (at least not the current generation) what's not to like to about it? There's something there for every one. Every one gets their cut of the pie.

Then you weren't surprised that the Austrian came up with this scheme as a last ditch effort to save his authority?

A little voice in the back of my head keeps asking: Why is the Wilson gang so desperate to salvage this fellow? What is the grand plan if they can keep him in office 5 more years?

This is their third trial balloon. First, they placated the mob's demands and tried to smother the legislature with love. That failed. Then they turned their Austrian Terminator loose and tried to bulldoze the opposition. That failed. Now their pimping something for nothing hoping that the electorate forgets their past mistakes just long enough to beat the odds in November.

What's the prize? What's up their sleeve?

[goldstategop]

Good question. This sum of money may not be going to be welfare and other social programs and I do agree the need for new infrastructure is legitimate but I doubt its high on the Democrats' list of priorities.

(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")