Schwarzenegger To Ask Bush For 'A Lot Of Favours'

The Telegraph (UK) ^ | 10-10-2003 | Oliver Poole

[blam]

Schwarzenegger to ask Bush for 'a lot of favours'

By Oliver Poole in Los Angeles
(Filed: 10/10/2003)

Arnold Schwarzenegger opened in his new role as California's governor-elect yesterday by saying he would demand federal aid from President George W Bush to solve the state's budget crisis.

In his debut press conference after winning office, he said: "For every dollar we pay in tax we get only 77 cents back. So there's a lot of money we can get from the federal government.

"He [Mr Bush] promised me he will do everything possible to help California, so I am looking forward to working with him and asking him for a lot - a lot - of favours."

The president will meet the former bodybuilder when he visits California next week on a fund-raising trip. Although he has resisted previous pleas for help from the state, he may be less willing to make an enemy of a Republican with a global profile as high as Schwarzenegger's.

The new governor said he also planned to take a slice of the previously untaxed gambling profits of Indian tribes which run casinos on their reservations.

The issue became politically charged during the election when it emerged that the tribes had donated millions of dollars to Schwarzenegger's Democrat opponent, Cruz Bustamante.

Part of the problem Schwarzenegger faces is that no one is certain quite how much economic trouble California is in. The state budget deficit is expected to be at least $8 billion (£5 billion) but it could be as much as $10 billion.

Schwarzenegger's pledge to reverse the tripling of the car tax introduced by his predecessor, Gray Davis, will create another $4 billion hole, which he has said he will tackle by "streamlining bureaucracy".

John Burton, the state senator who is California's senior Democrat, warned Schwarzenegger of the extent of the problems he faced.

"It is going to be pretty goddamn tough," he said. "There is not a hell of a lot of soup left in the pot to ladle out."

Last month Schwarzenegger outlined a 10-point plan for his first 100 days of office. There is a widespread feeling that if there is no visible improvement in that time any honeymoon period with the voters will most definitely be at an end.

America's A & E television network is preparing the script for See Arnold Run, a TV movie about Schwarzenegger's campaign and his 1973 quest to become Mr Olympia. So far, no one has been cast in the starring role.

[stop_fascism]

Seems fair. Iraq had Saddam and the Baathists, we had Davis and the Democrats. We need help rebuilding.

[Support Free Republic]

Hi mom!

[SJSAMPLE]

Cover your wallets.
When not sending liberal Democrat Senators and Congress-critters to Washington, they're busy trying an end-run to get your cash.

If Arnie balances Kalifornistan's checkbook with your wallet, is here REALLY not raising taxes?

[Skip Ripley]

Arnie is no dope.

[spokeshave]

So would you like Bustamente to give it to Mexico for solution...?

[blam]

"So would you like Bustamente to give it to Mexico for solution...?"

No, he should demand foreign aid from Vicente Fox!

[Cobra64]

I doubt that Arnold will "demand" anything from W. These overseas articles are too often sensationalism (well, just as they are stateside). Further, this article refers to Arnold as the "bodybuilder." So what? And Arnold probably just stays in normal shape these days. When is the last time that Arnold was on stage pumping iron for Mr. Universe notoriety? Finally, when is the last time you saw a strong, fit, European in war combat in the last 50 years?

[expatpat]

Does this mean I can get $'s back from Washington since I don't get anywhere near my moneysworth back from the taxes I pay?

[blam]

Just read the other day that Alabama gets $1.49 back for every dollar sent to the feds.

[pgkdan]

Does this mean that I can expect a 100%, dollar for dollar refund for every dollar I send to Washington in taxes?

[ApesForEvolution]

Screw Ahnold. It's been one day and already I despise what he will be more now than I did when all he offered was little potential. I wish Calee the best, but you all have had plenty of opportunities over enough years that if this is the best you can do, then to Mexico you can go.

[Russ]

Move over, everybody, there's another pig coming to the trough...

[Dog Gone]

Last month Schwarzenegger outlined a 10-point plan for his first 100 days of office. There is a widespread feeling that if there is no visible improvement in that time any honeymoon period with the voters will most definitely be at an end.

California can't be turned around in 100 days. Sure, some cosmetic announcements and actions can be made, but this is like announcing that the Titanic should make a 180 degree turn in 100 feet, or the passengers will be mad.

It will take several years to repair California, and that's only if the Rats cooperate.

[Dan from Michigan]

My guess.

Arnold - "Want me to campaign for you and headline your fundraisers??? Pay up!!"

[Savage Beast]

"I am looking forward to working with him and asking him for a lot--a lot--of favours"

George is looking forward to it also, Arnie, and he'll be only too happy to oblige.

By the way, he's planning to ask you for a lot--a lot--of favors too.

[Sandy]

No doubt Bush already has the package wrapped and ready to deliver. Sickening but hardly surprising.

[KellyAdmirer]

If Arnold did not ask the feds for help, THEN there would be an issue. This is a non-story.

[Sandy]

This is a non-story.

Pretty much. Rewarding incompetence is after all the American way.

[jocko12]

ARNIE WHAT IS THIS DEMAND BS.TRY WE WILL WORK WITH YOU.