CA: Schwarzenegger vows to avoid raising taxes

The San Jose Mercury News ^ | Wed, Aug. 20, 2003 | Mary Anne Ostrom

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks during a meeting with his economic advisors dubbed the "California Economic Recovery Council" in Los Angeles.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Republican candidate in California's recall race for governor, said he would hire an outside auditor to go through the state budget and identify potential areas to cut. He also pledged to avoid raising taxes.

[Tempest]

Your Jeb Bush arguement doesn't apply simply because at the time he ran for election his brother GWB was flying high in the polls and could help offset the gap that is present amongst registered voter in Florida.

Currently GWB is not anywhere near the popularity in which he was back then. Plus add to the fact that the state of Florida was barely won Republicans in 2000 where as GWB lost in California by over 1 million votes as well in 2000.

So to go over it again California is facing 3X the odds that Florida has. Does not have a similar track record as Florida, Has a Democrat dominated legislator unlike Florida. GWB's popularity is sinking. And GWB has not expressed any interest in endorsing any candidate as off yet.

[Tempest]

I'm glad to see that you've retracted on some of your extrapolation. I think you should knock off a few points for people whom would be disparaged by Simons withdrawl from the race. (Which seems unlikely) and just not go to vote at all.

Plus considering Ubberoth is distancing himself from the Republican party I know a good number of his supporters happen to be liberal democrats with only slight leanings towards fiscal coservatism.

Plus your whole arguement is just trying to show the possibility of a Ralph (Nader) McClintock beating Aronold yet he's STILL BEHIND! Not to mention that they're all behind Bustamante!

So I just can't figure out how you would place money on a solid number 3 that lagging far behind number 2 that can't even see the dust trail that number one is leaving behind.

Let's face it. Thanks to McClintock. Democrats have it right.

Democrats are going to run this like and election. While Republicans still haven't even figured out that THIS ISN"T THE PRIMARIES!!!

[harpo11]

Good enough for me too!

[Reagan Man]

The twin pillars of fiscal conservatism, are cutting taxes and reducing government spending. Schwarzenegger says he won't raise taxes and will have a team review the budget to find those areas where spending can be cut. This dosen't sound like the rhetoric of a candidate who professes to be a fiscal conservative.

If Arnold is a true fiscal conservative, he would be for slashing spending across the board. Spending that is "driven by a variety of constitutional and statutory mandates".

Arnold's conservative GOP opponent Tom McClintok, wants to reduce spending in California by 9.5%. McClintok says, this will balance the budget in 18 months and still service the states debt payments.

Arnold still sounds like a liberal RINO.

[harpo11]

I voted for Riordan because Davis considered Riordan his arch enemy and biggest foe for the govenorship.

Conservatives were used by that crook's crook Davis to turn the election in his favor. And, that's why that dumbbell Davis got himself re-elected even with out-dated punch ballots, and minorities that supposedly can't find their way to the polling booth according to the ACLU.

[Seeking the truth]

Your Jeb Bush arguement doesn't apply simply because at the time he ran for election his brother GWB was flying high in the polls and could help offset the gap that is present amongst registered voter in Florida.

Ummmm. Governor Jeb Bush was elected in November 1998

Apparently, you did not know this but the President at that time was one William Clinton, who had a 65% approval rating.

In 1998, Registered Democrats had a 500,000 (approx.) plurality in Florida.

Oh yeah, when Jeb was campaigning in 1998, the Florida Senate was still in the Dems hands while the Pubs held the house. After November 5, 1998, the Pubs took over the Senate for the first time since Reconstruction!

So, to go over it again, your premise remains wrong and you really don't have your facts straight but somehow, I think you are are used to that position.

[harpo11]

LOL!!! Love your pic...

I'm surprised the great golden bear didn't walk off the flag during Gray's wimpy voiced and outlandish pity-a-thon and chase him off the podium.

[TheAngryClam]

Equal to, not behind.

And there was no retraction.

[TheAngryClam]

And why should any of us go for that #2 when they can just go #1 and vote for Cruz?

Because it gains them nothing.

Similar to conservatives voting for Arnold.

[OESY]

I wouldn't be overly concerned about the lack of a no-tax-hike pledge. Arnie would bring a full toolbox to the governor's office while others are a tool or two short. That means he is more likely to save the state $84 million in loan guarantee fees alone (at the going rate), if and when California has to borrow money again -- in addition to lower interest costs if his platform (and achievements) are persuasive with rating agencies (albeit not immediately).

Furthermore, Arnie dominated the airways today--interacting with his economic advisors and business leaders, the very same people most capable of bringing companies and jobs back to the state, thus enhancing the tax base and reversing California's fiscal decline. Note also the caliber of the people he is attracting -- these are not Les Aspin-Madeleine Albright types. He is showing himself to be a good judge of people with whom he will have to work. Later, in the press conference, he communicated exceedingly well for a first encounter--handling tough questions from the press with confidence, candor and good humor, the very qualities he will need in Sacramento to knock heads and get things done. It was quite a performance -- the kind voters, and especially young voters, like.

As the most colorful candidate, and the most financially successful in past endeavors, he will command press attention wherever he goes and will be able to mobilize public sentiment to support unpopular programs with his positive, even inspiring, messages like few other leaders since Ronald Reagan. It is also of paramount importance that he plays well in front of TV cameras and has the savvy and means to use the film media to deliver his messages. These are the intangible ingredients that Arnie brings to the table and they will ensure his continued successes.

Those who cling to other candidates because they think it would be better for Republicans in 2004 for Bustamante to win the gubernatorial race (and for the Republican candidate to lose) have got to grasp this elemental concept: This is a golden opportunity to revitalize the Republican Party in California -- across the board -- for moderates and conservatives alike.

Pardon the mixed metaphors, but your ship has come in. Board it. Don't wait for the next one. The cruise (pun intended) may extend for decades -- as the young and Latinos who might not otherwise vote, or be reflected in traditional polling, are pulled in by Arnie. Don't miss this opportunity! Happy Sailing!

[TheAngryClam]

Congratulations, two liberal in little more than the space of a year- Riordan and Arnold.

You must be pretty proud of yourself.

[TheAngryClam]

You utterly misunderstand the arguments for why it is better for Bustamante to win than Arnold.

It isn't because he makes the Dems look bad (which he does), but because the GOP will oppose his tax hikes, while they won't oppose Arnold's.

[Tempest]

Just so you know.

Registered Democrats in California: 6.7 million

Registered Republicans in California: 5.3 million

source: http://www.calvoter.org/parties.html

[Tempest]

I was refering to his re-election.

[Tempest]

Equal?! Equal?! You know GWB would refer to that as fuzzy math don't you. :^D

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

More..... I'm principally against taxes. The people of California have been punished enough,'' he said. ``From the time they get up in the morning and flush the toilet, they are taxed.''

Actually, we are taxed while we are asleep too. But I get his point.

Actually, I could support Arnold if he made more concrete statements, such as "We do not have a revenue problem. we have a spending problem. Irresponsible spending by Davis and the Democrats have brought us to financial ruin. But the solution is very simple. From tomorrow onward we will spend, on a daily basis, the same amount that we spent three years ago, plus an increase to account for inflation and population growth (approximately 5%/yr). There would be no cuts in any services or programs, and the deficit would be gone".

[Let's Roll]

Until today I would have said he was anti-Arnold - even makes fun of his accent - so I was pleasantly surprised to hear him label Arnold as a conservative.

Even if Arnold isn't conservative (and I agree his natural inclination is conservative), the real choices are between a liberal Republican and a liberal Democrat - does anyone seriously think they are the same? You gotta win first.

[goldstategop]

George Ryan promised no new taxes and he turned out to be a liar. Same with Nevada's Kenny Guinn. At least Arnold isn't ruling out tax increases. That's refreshing. I don't want to be surprised after the election by a "bait and switch" candidate. People are sick and tired of politicians who tell them what they want to hear and then go out and do another thing after they're in office.

[goldstategop]

Wherever did the orginal Arnold go? Did Maria morph him when he got married??

[Flashman_at_the_charge]

Excellent post.