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Shilling for Schwarzenegger: Hugh Hewitt strikes again
September 24th, 2003 | Sabertooth

Posted on 09/24/2003 12:33:19 PM PDT by Sabertooth

Hugh Hewitt, a well-known conservative radio talk show host and political columnist, has written a short column today called California recall: One issue, and one issue only

Hewitt got on the Arnold Schwarzenegger bandwagon the day after the actor's candidacy was announced on Jay Leno's Tonight Show. His column today is a hopeful attempt to at favorable spin for Schwarzenegger prior to tonight's gubernatorial debate (6:00 pm, PDT), the first at which Schwarzenegger's appeared.

A few of Hugh's highlights...

My take is that unless Arnold comes up with the California equivalent of President Ford's declaration of a free Poland in 1976, the debate will be a non-factor in the race.

Oh, it could seal the end of Tom McClintock's career if he tries to land cheap shots on Arnold

Hugh Hewitt is fretting about "cheap shots" against the debate-ducking, excited-to-be-learning-the-issues Anold Schwarzenegger?

Will Hewitt's definition of "cheap shots" include any mention of Schwarzenegger's left-leaning comments or positions that are the issue for tens of thousands of California Republicans not willing, at this point, to vote for Arnold? Should McClintock tip-toe around all of that, for the dubious "good of the party?"

Schwarzenegger has conducted a run-and-hide campaign, hoping the field would clear as he ran out the clock. Didn't happen, Hugh. Bad strategy.

Schwarzenegger missed chances to earn respect and sway holdouts by skipping debates. There are consequences to missed opportunities.

There is only one issue that matters to most voters. It absorbs all other issues in this race: The corruption in Sacramento.

The workers' comp mess? It is about the corrupt influence of the trial lawyers. The huge giveaways to prison guards and other public-employee unions? The corrupt influence of big labor. The massive expansion of tribal casinos and the obscene amount of money pouring from the slots into the voting process? The corrupt influence of California's Indian tribes.

Leave it to Hugh Hewitt to prepare a laundry list of Sacramento's corruption that doesn't include Gray Davis' legally questionable spiking of California's Proposition #187, after it was held in the judicial dungeon of Carter appointee, District Judge Marian Pfaelzer for three and a half years under the Pete Wilson administration.

Proposition #187 would have prevented much of the fiscal crisis now facing California, by preventing the State from paying any benefits or providing social services to California's millions of Illegal Aliens. The corrupt Democrats used the courts and a dubious arbitration process to thwart the will of the voters here.

The Democrats knew they could get away with it, because of the rank cowardice of the Republic Party, from the RNC, Jack Kemp, Bill Bennett, George W. Bush, Orrin Hatch, John McCain, etc., on down. Democrat corruption doesn't happen in a vacuum, it is enabled by do-nothing Republicans.

Among the do-nothings on Illegal Aliens are not a few self-absorbed conserative talk show hosts, such as Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Michael Medved, and... Hugh Hewitt.

No surprise, then, that Hewitt won't mention Sacramento's corruption with regard to Illegal Aliens: Hugh is part of the problem.

Most of this corruption is legal. Most corruption is. But the stench of the decay in Sacramento doesn't diminish because Gray Davis has invented transparency in payoffs. The tribes brazenly gave millions to Cruz who transferred it to an anti-initiative campaign that features, surprise, Cruz. The money-laundering is out in the open, on the front lawn of the State House - but it is no less corrupt.

Gray Davis' penchant for soliciting donations just prior to signing or vetoing legislation that would affect the donors is legendary, and a clear violation of conflict-of-interest, in spirit, if not in law.

But Hugh Hewitt goes on...

The tribes pumped huge sums into a pro-McClintock fund. This is legal, but it stinks. It is a manipulation of the electorate - a cynical assist to Cruz via the draining of votes from Arnold. Corrupt? Of course it is. Tom McClintock cannot raise enough money on his own under the $21,200 limit of the law, so he's welcoming the tribes' largesse via an independent expenditure.

As for McClintock, any campaign finance law that respected the First Amendment would allow the tribes to give as much money as they please direcly to his campaign. People who don't like gambling or Indian casinos are free to vote against candidates who recieve campaign contributions for the trbes.

One example of such a candidate, of course, would be Arnold Schwarzenegger, who took contributions from some Indian tribes in the campaign for his government-growing, Proposition 49 - after school program.

Democrat Cruz Bustamante denounced Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger as a "phony" and a "hypocrite" for running television ads questioning the political clout of Indian gaming tribes that have contributed large amounts of money to the lieutenant governor.

He noted that Schwarzenegger raised money from tribes to support last year's Proposition 49, the Schwarzenegger-sponsored ballot initiative to finance after-school programs.
San Diego Union-Tribune - September 24th, 2003

Ooops.

That's a bit of legal corruption (by his own definition) that slips under Hugh Hewtt's selective radar, while he's shilling for Arnold Schwarzenegger.

And ain't if funny how Hugh Hewitt objects to independent expenditures on behalf of Tom McClintock, given that...

...records show that Total Recall, a committee controlled by Schwarzenegger that is permitted to raise unlimited sums to promote the recall, is also spending money specifically to boost Schwarzenegger's candidacy. Records show that Total Recall transferred $211,000 to Californians for Schwarzenegger, and is helping to pay the salaries of several top campaign staffers.

Colleen McAndrews, the campaign's lawyer and treasurer, said the division of money between the two committees was done with the approval of the Fair Political Practices Committee, the agency charged with overseeing state campaign finance law.
Davis, Schwarzenegger lead fund-raising race
Redding Record Searchlight - August 29th, 2003

Here is a list of 19 donors (including Arnold), to Schwarzenegger's Total Recall Campaign, which isn't subject to California's Proposition #34 campaign finance restrictions...

Arnold Schwarzenegger's Total Recall Committee
19 records found (1 page.)


Contributor Employer Amount Date
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER [Google]  OAK PRODUCTIONS, INC. $500,000 09.04.2003
ALEX SPANOS [Google]  A. G. SPANOS COMPANIES $100,000 09.09.2003
AMERICAN STERLING CORPORATION [Google]   $100,000 09.08.2003
WILLIAM A. ROBINSON [Google]  NONE $100,000 09.16.2003
WILLIAM LYONS HOMES, INC. [Google]   $100,000 08.22.2003
PAUL FOLINO [Google]  EMULEX $99,164 08.25.2003
CAPITAL PACIFIC HOLDINGS, INC. [Google]   $78,800 09.09.2003
THE NEW MAJORITY PAC [Google]   $78,800 09.18.2003
DIVERSIFIED COLLECTION SERVICES, INC. [Google]   $60,000 09.05.2003
FLETCHER JONES MANAGEMENT [Google]   $57,600 09.08.2003
PAUL FOLINO [Google]  EMULEX $40,000 09.22.2003
TIMOTHY DRAPER (THE TIMOTHY DRAPER LIVING TRUST) [Google]  DRAPER, FISHER, JURVETSON $20,000 09.22.2003
FRANK E. BAXTER [Google]  JEFFERIES & COMPANY, INC. $10,000 09.22.2003
ROBERT YELLIN [Google]  CAL. PROTECTION $10,000 09.02.2003
TIMOTHY DRAPER (THE TIMOTHY DRAPER LIVING TRUST) [Google]  DRAPER, FISHER, JURVETSON $10,000 09.19.2003
JOHN HURLEY [Google]  CAVALRY ASSET MGMT. $3,442 09.10.2003
JOHN STAHR [Google]  LATHAM & WATKINS $2,500 08.28.2003
JOHN C. HERKLOTZ [Google]  NONE $2,000 09.19.2003
JOHN R. SAUNDERS [Google]  SAUNDERS PROPERTY CO. $2,000 09.18.2003
Total itemized contributions to committee: $1,374,306  
19 records found (1 page.)



Arnold Schwarzenegger's Total Recall Committee
RecallMoney.com - Updated September 22nd, 2003

For a complete list of donors to Californians for Schwarzenegger, who are subject to California's campaign finance restrictions, go here.

Note Schwarzenegger's $1.5 million loan to his own campaign. Though the loan is legal, potential for conflicts of interest will arise when Schwarzenegger is raising the money to pay himself back.

Note also that Hugh Hewitt omits all of this information in his piece today.


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Culture/Society; Editorial; Government; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections; US: California
KEYWORDS: hewitt; hughhewitt; mcclintock; recall; schwarzenegger; specialinterests
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To: Afronaut
I've seen Arnold speak about illegal immigration,

so he flipped on this also? Changed his mind after a focus group or did Rob Lowe fill in the blanks?

Google Search: "Karl Rove" "Bohemian Grove"


61 posted on 09/24/2003 5:14:29 PM PDT by Sabertooth (No Drivers' Licences for Illegal Aliens. Petition SB60. http://www.saveourlicense.com/n_home.htm)
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To: Sabertooth
I hate to get snotty with these winners. It's be a long few weeks. Here is the quote from the "B"

Schwarzenegger, who legally immigrated to this country from Austria in 1968, opposed issuing driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. But he didn't rule out public services or amnesty for those who come into the country illegally. He said he would work with other states to pressure the federal government, which controls immigration, to "come up with a solution once and for all." He also said allowing undocumented immigrants to stay in the United States is "the right thing to do."
Link

BTW Sabertooth you have been a KING through out this sell out. I really have enjoyed your posts.

 

62 posted on 09/24/2003 5:22:48 PM PDT by Afronaut (Vote for me now. I’ll let you know what I believe later)
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To: 68 grunt
I love McClintock but he just can't win."

Many of us believe that this is reality.

And the rest of us KNOW it is.

63 posted on 09/24/2003 5:37:54 PM PDT by Republic If You Can Keep It
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To: Hildy
What difference does it make what Schwartzenegger's views on abortion are?

Only women have abortions. Only women can stop abortions.

64 posted on 09/24/2003 7:30:47 PM PDT by Rudder
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To: Sabertooth
A great essay, Saber.
65 posted on 09/24/2003 8:50:21 PM PDT by Pelham
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To: Russell Scott
You have to give Hugh a break. He has a crush on Arnold.
66 posted on 09/24/2003 8:52:36 PM PDT by Pelham
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To: MattGarrett
At what point will you TOMBOTS realize that losing with your purist principles will SUCK?

Probably the day after you Arnold supporters cease your childish insults- which effectively means we won't.

67 posted on 09/24/2003 8:55:59 PM PDT by Pelham
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To: MattGarrett
though HH has been here just as long, if not longer, than McClintock.

Unlike Saber, I do call Hewitt a carpetbagger. And unlike you, I can add: McClintock moved to California in the mid 1960s. Hewitt moved here to work at the Nixon Library, in the 1980s.

68 posted on 09/24/2003 9:01:03 PM PDT by Pelham
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To: Sabertooth
I applaud your principles, whether I agree with your candidate or not! This crap of voting for the "winner", agree with him or not, is just whoredom. But...I have to disagree with your statement that Arnold's strategy isn't working. I believe it is.
69 posted on 09/24/2003 9:43:19 PM PDT by jammer
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To: Digger
Again just how low will the pubbie party go to elect any jerk with a (R) behind their name?

After the last three years, I am convinced that there is no bottom.

70 posted on 09/24/2003 9:45:04 PM PDT by jammer
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To: Cousin Eddie
I strongly disagree with everything you have said about Ben Stein. Just for the record.
71 posted on 09/24/2003 9:46:11 PM PDT by jammer
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To: Sabertooth
...and your point is...?tiger, you better cool off your jets, let's wait and see, who is who and does what!

Let's not jump in conclusions before time!...

72 posted on 09/24/2003 9:53:49 PM PDT by danmar ("There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root" Thoreau)
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To: newzjunkey
>> His view on immigration is that they're here illegally, those who are adding to the tax base should be converted into work visa types to get them documented. He's for a work visa program, *not* amnesty <<

Ah, I SEE. He only wants to give "documentation" to those who are here illegally, NOT give them "amnesty"

Sort of how Bill Clinton was only involving in an IMPROPER relationship with Monica that involved oral sex, but certainly he did NOT have "sexual relations"

It's all so much clearer to me now.

73 posted on 09/24/2003 10:17:52 PM PDT by BillyBoy (George Ryan deserves a long term...without parole.)
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To: Sabertooth
Your frustration with Tom McClintock's now virtualy inevitable fate is understandable.
Shooting the MESSENGER, however, does not invalidate the MESSAGE.
You are correct: that illegal immigration is in fact an incredibly serious issue that Arnold has certainly not confronted...
...but neither has President Bush, and it is much more within HIS jurisdiction.
If you could find a solution for the invasion problem that does not involve trashing Hugh (or Arnold) - many of us would join you in promoting that effort.
BTW, "promoting" is a much better word than "shilling." :o)

74 posted on 09/24/2003 10:19:49 PM PDT by RonDog
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To: Sabertooth
Hey Tiger nice rant (colorfull and comprehensive)...your point is?...Ahhh...TommyMac's survival.

We'll see you at the voting booth's! Meanwhile have a great day!

75 posted on 09/24/2003 10:29:27 PM PDT by danmar ("There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root" Thoreau)
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To: Sabertooth
Shilling for Schwarzenegger: Hugh Hewitt strikes again
Here is ze only "schilling" zat Herr Hewitt iz doink for Ahnuld...

...providing free psychoanalysis for recovering Tombots - from zat OTHZER famous Austrian, Sigmund Freud. :o)

76 posted on 09/24/2003 10:32:07 PM PDT by RonDog
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To: RonDog
Rats!
And that was such a GREAT image, too. :(
Click HERE:
http://kattenware.piranho.com/Waehrungen/Schilling/pages/50%20Schillinge.htm

77 posted on 09/24/2003 10:43:44 PM PDT by RonDog
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To: DManA
I like Tom's positions too, but he just misses being a policy wonk. His personality just isn't right for this situation.

People will follow Arnold, his energy, enthusiasm. He can persuade them to at least try a more conservative way of doing things. And that will make all the difference because this is still California - one of the most liberal states in the country.
78 posted on 09/24/2003 11:17:28 PM PDT by Let's Roll (And those that cried Appease! Appease! are hanged by those they tried to please!")
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To: DManA
I want McClintock to stay in unless he is going to cause both him and Arnold to lost to Cruz.

As it stands though (pre-debate) the latest Survey poll of "certain voters" shows recall is still strong (even 25% of blacks are voting for recall. Even a large percentage of Davis '02 voters say Yes on recall).

And it show's Arnold at 39% to Cruz's 32% with Tom at 18%. With those numbers...Tom should stay in.

The breakdown of the vote shows Tom has good support but the same demographics give Arnold more. Tom getting out would insure Arnold's victory.

And then Tom can go on, with Arnold's help I'd hope, and run for the U.S. Senate in 2004 against Boxer.

Here's the pdf site for the poll:

http://www.surveyusa.com/2003_Elections/CA030923RecallReplace.pdf
79 posted on 09/24/2003 11:22:55 PM PDT by Fledermaus (While Bush doesn't usually please my conservative heart, no DimbulboRat can keep us safe!)
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To: jammer
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I happen to be intimately familiar with a target of one of Stein's hit pieces for which Stein was compensated. Full of lies, half-truths, inuendo, fabrication, etc.
80 posted on 09/24/2003 11:44:16 PM PDT by Cousin Eddie
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