Report: Schwarzenegger Leaning Against Running For Gov.

SanDiegoChannel.com ^ | July 28, 2003 | SanDiegoChannel.com

[Pubbie]

Report: Schwarzenegger Leaning Against Running For Gov. Candidates Have Until Aug. 9 To Get Onto Ballot

POSTED: 3:37 p.m. PDT July 28, 2003 UPDATED: 3:44 p.m. PDT July 28, 2003

LOS ANGELES -- Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger is leaning against running for governor in the Oct. 7 recall election, but no final decision has been made, a senior adviser said Monday.

A decision could be made by the end of the week, the adviser said. Meanwhile the actor's political consultant denied reports that the Republican actor had already decided against running.

"There are reports in the media that Arnold Schwarzenegger has decided not to run in the California recall election. These reports are incorrect," consultant George Gorton said in a statement.

"Arnold spent the weekend continuing his due diligence regarding a possible run. He has made no decision at this time. He will continue to weigh the pros and cons with his family and will continue to seek the counsel of supporters and colleagues," the statement said.

A senior Schwarzenegger adviser, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the actor "is leaning against running."

Candidates have until Aug. 9 to file to get on the ballot in the recall against Democratic Gov. Gray Davis.

Gorton has said that Schwarzenegger's wife, Kennedy relative Maria Shriver, has concerns about the actor running.

Sacramento Bee political columnist Daniel Weintraub and Fox News both reported Monday that Schwarzenegger, a Republican, would not run. Both reports cited an unnamed source.

Although he is unseasoned in politics, Schwarzenegger is considered a formidable contender because of his ability to draw international media attention, his personal wealth and his unbeatable name recognition.

His decision is also being eagerly awaited because it could affect the plans of at least one other potential candidate, former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, who has said he will seriously consider running if Schwarzenegger does not.

The two men are friends and both are from the moderate wing of the Republican Party. Either could hold more appeal to Democrats and independents than the other likely Republican contenders, who are more conservative, analysts believe.

Those candidates include Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, who bankrolled much of the recall petition drive and has declared he intends to run. Former GOP gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon and state Sen. Tom McClintock, R-Thousand Oaks, are preparing for likely candidacies.

The state's major Democratic officeholders have closed ranks behind Davis and said they don't plan to run.

Riordan did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment Monday.

[Pubbie]

[goldstategop]

Looks like Arnold isn't gonna run. He's been all talk and no action.

[Pubbie]

*Ping*!

[July 4th]

Aaaaarggh! Which is it?!?

[My2Cents]

This is a great way (for Arnold) to keep the speculation going, and to keep his name in the media vis-a-vis the governor's race, without actually having to announce. His "disinclination" to run has gotten more press today than Simon, Issa, and McClintock together. It's brilliant!

[Dan from Michigan]

I sure hope Riordan doesn't take his place.

[Conservababe]

Oh, for goodness sakes, don't you realize that he has NO idea of running for governor. He is setting himself up nicely for a Senate run. And the publicity is great from his campaign managers.

[Pubbie]

Let Riordan Run!

Riordan will only take votes from democrats or extremely Liberal Republicans, thus maximizing the vote for a REAL Conservative like McClintock.

And Riordan didn't sound to enthusiastic about running anyway

[annyokie]

I haven't lived in California for ten years. Do you have a bio on McClintock, please?

[CarmelValleyite]

I hope Riordan DOES run instead of Arnold .... That would be sweet revenge after what Davis and his team did to Riordan. Riordan would have easily WON last November's election had the smear campaign not been so effective by Grayout and company...

[B Knotts]

http://www.tommcclintock.com/about/bio.cfm?CFID=14420&CFTOKEN=42429162

[Pubbie]

Go to this site for a Biography:

http://www.drafttom.com/

[spodefly]

Report: Schwarzenegger Leaning Against Running For Gov.

Good. We don't need any more gun-grabbing, homo-coddling, psuedo-conservative abortionists in government.

Stick to films, Arnold.

[Pubbie]

Riordan is even more liberal than Davis is, and he'd still destroy the state with liberal policies.

[goldstategop]

Ewwwwwwwww. One liberal for another? Thanks but no thanks.

[Batrachian]

I think Arnold would rather be a Kennedy than a governor.

[Dan from Michigan]

Maybe Riordan learned that's what happens to those that back Davis the first time.

[Bobby777]

Ahhhnold!!! Make up yer freaking mind!!!

[sheik yerbouty]

You mean "Mr. Insipid"?

[CarmelValleyite]

What FUN having people who don't live or vote in California pontificating non-stop with their expertise about this state and the potential candidates for the governorship!

Richard Riordan was a fine mayor for Los Angeles (I actually live here and had the pleasure of voting for him for both terms) and he would do an excellent job as governor, in my opinion.

He could finish out this term, would likely NOT run for a new term at this late stage in his career, and could strike a good balance between the left and right in this state as he is willing to work with all sides and listen to various points of view, an absolute MUST here.

In case some of you haven't noticed, what works in most states does not work here; yes, this is the land of fruits and nuts and anything goes. Diversity reigns in every possible area. I happen to like it here and plan to stay, since I've already been here 50 years.

Despite the fact that Riordan might not be "right wing" enough to suit some people on FR, particularly on social issues which should be no one's damned business, anyway, and should have no bearing on elections, he has the experience and talent to take over the California governorship and do a great job.