Posted on 05/16/2006 11:25:33 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
SACRAMENTO — Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa spent Monday trolling the Capitol for political support, dropping in on old Democratic friends and allies to wangle more money for transportation projects and to build momentum for his plans to take over Los Angeles public schools.
Villaraigosa's most surprising ally was not on the calendar, but his presence was palpable.
The Democratic mayor has found plenty of common ground in recent months with California's Republican governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger. The two have struck an improbable relationship that could yield a windfall for Los Angeles and boost the fortunes of two of California's most politically dynamic figures.
"We genuinely get along," Villaraigosa said of Schwarzenegger during a break from a packed schedule of meetings with legislators. "He's been very supportive of my administration."
Schwarzenegger is equally effusive. At a Burbank whistle-stop last week to promote a $37-billion public works bond, the governor introduced Villaraigosa as "our great mayor."
Schwarzenegger and Villaraigosa are eager to see the public works bond pass in November. ...
--snip--
Perhaps most intriguing of all, each would stand to benefit from Schwarzenegger winning reelection in November. The governor, of course, would gain four more years in office. His departure in 2010 because of term limits would open the door to Villaraigosa as a potential front-runner for the job — a prospect that could vanish if one of Schwarzenegger's current Democratic opponents, state Treasurer Phil Angelides or Controller Steve Westly, wins in November.
--snip--
"Both gentleman are trying to move away from raw partisan politics," said Allan Hoffenblum, a Republican political strategist who edits the California Target Book, a nonpartisan election guide. "It's good politically and it's good public policy. When those tend to converge, things get done."
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
Why is this an "unlikley partnership"? One is a RINO and one is Democrat. They couldn't be more alike.
unlikley partnership = Watch out for your wallets.
Der Uber Guber und de Uber Dufus.........
Well I'm sure the RINOld fan club is happy.
He sure suckered the whole lot of you...
hook, line & sinker!
Villaraigosa and Schwarzenegger insist that their newfound amity is grounded not in politics but in a shared desire to do right by their constituents.A highly qualified leftist, that is.When it comes to the bond proposal, both say they have no problem joining ranks to advance an ambitious endeavor to fix California's crumbling schools, highways, roads and levees.
(They also say it is coincidence that the governor recently appointed the mayor's sister, Mary Lou Villar, to a Superior Court judgeship. Villaraigosa and a Schwarzenegger spokesman both called her highly qualified.)
Schwarzenegger added: "Every single time when we come together, miracles happen ... for the state of California. I'm looking forward to campaigning with the mayor, with our [state] leaders, with anybody in order to get this done."
Oh, my .. that's enough to make me rethink lunch. :-o
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