Posted on 03/03/2006 10:46:38 AM PST by NormsRevenge
Through an appearance on NBC's “Meet the Press” and through other actions of late, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has put the GOP on notice that he's the governor of every Californian and not just fellow Republicans.
“I will run as an Arnold Republican, which is I am there to govern and to serve the people of California, meaning Democrats and Republicans, even though there are some on the right wing that are not happy about that,” Schwarzenegger told host Tim Russert about his bid for re-election.
Good for Arnold. It's exactly the right message, and it comes at exactly the right time for the governor, for California Republicans, and for the state as a whole.
You would think that, in this state or any other, the chief executive wouldn't have to waste time making such obvious and rudimentary declarations. Of course, a governor represents everyone and not just the members of his own party. But just try telling that to some members of the state GOP. Convinced that Schwarzenegger is not sufficiently conservative in his fiscal policies or that he's a RINO (Republican in name only), some are flirting with the idea of staying home on Election Day.
Never mind that this almost certainly would increase chances that a much more mediocre Democratic candidate might be elected, an outcome that any mature and clear-thinking Republican should be eager to avoid at all costs. Never mind that – as Schwarzenegger's onetime rival, state Sen. Tom McClintock, R-Thousand Oaks, told delegates at the California Republican Party convention recently – whatever philosophical differences separate the governor and his Republican base, they pale compared to the differences between Republicans and Democrats. And never mind that nothing turns off voters more quickly and more reliably than watching a political party throw the equivalent of a temper tantrum over not getting its way with a candidate 100 percent of the time.
The governor's problems with members of his own party are real. A poll released last week by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California showed that just 66 percent of Republicans approve of the job Schwarzenegger is doing as governor. You would think that figure would be much higher.
But those ratings can't get in the way of more severe problems that Schwarzenegger is poised to solve, including dealing with long-term infrastructure needs in a state poised to welcome millions of new residents. This governor has the right idea, and the right temperament for the job.
Republicans need to accept that and give Schwarzenegger and his agenda the support that both deserve. And Republicans need to cool off, keep their rhetoric in check, and maintain their perspective. Every once in a while, opponents can stand to be on the same side for the common good.
We know that, as the old saying goes, politics ain't beanbag. But this isn't a game, not with the future of a great state hanging in the balance.
He sure as hell doesn't represent the California taxpayer.
Arnold tried, Unions lied, the balanced budget died.
He represents all Californians, especially the illegals, welfare recipients, unions, abortion lovers, and homosexuals.
The taxpayers? Fuggetuhboudit.
Is that like "How To Serve Man"?
The piece was obviously written by Steve Schmidt and Katie Levinson working their fingers to the bone for the good of the party!
The next 8 months around here is going to be fun.
Democrat's say that one vote make a mandate. When in charge onlly 50-49 they move their agenda forward. Republicans don't seem to get that concept.
What does all Californians mean? I don't know, I pay income taxes and get no services - those of road,etc I pay with bonds and fees.
He is being silly again, next his spokes person will be out saying he did not under the language.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has put the GOP on notice that he's the governor of every Californian and not just fellow Republicans.
Then he can just keep on serving them while I don't vote for him. Of course I didn't vote for him the first time around. I voted for McClintock.
I was booted off the Site-That-Shall-Be-Nameless because I dared suggest that Ahnold was a RINO and his victory was not the conservative Second Coming the "dotty" powers-that-be thought it was. California may be riding the one-way handbasket to Hades, but vindication is still sweet.
I got booted a few times myself for ringing dat bell.
Strike that Arnold. You serve all Californians except Republicans.
You are mistaken almost to the point of lying.
vetoed drivers licenses for illegals
asked for more border agents in CA
cracked down on disability fraud
attempted to severely limit the public employees unions in the special election
he has done nothing to encourage or discourage abortion and is pro choice (I'll give you 1 but barely)
and is against homosexual marriage
You are confusing him with the democrat mayor from LA.
There are two things that make you a democrat, you are crooked and you are anti American. Arnold is neither.
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