Free Republic

SACRAMENTO — With Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's confirmation he's running for re-election, his foes hope to persuade the public his bid for new term hangs on the out come of his Nov. 8 special election to revamp government. It doesn't, according to analysts. Political experts said Schwarzenegger can survive a special-election defeat and go on to win re-election in November 2006. "Schwarzenegger has huge problems," said Jack Pitney, a government professor at Claremont McKenna College. "But other governors have climbed out of the poll pits to win re-election." Oakland's own Jerry Brown, a Democrat, and former GOP Gov. Pete Wilson...

SACRAMENTO -- Facing widespread opposition to his special election, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Friday that if voters reject a proposed spending restraint on the November ballot, he might be forced to raise taxes. Schwarzenegger previewed a campaign theme in a morning radio interview, predicting that new taxes might be the only alternative if voters reject Proposition 76, the "Live Within Our Means" act. Asked on Sacramento station KTKZ-1380 AM what he might do to avert future budget deficits if the spending control is defeated, Schwarzenegger said: "Then we have to look at raising taxes, because this is the only option...