Free Republic

Schwarzenegger expected to announce election on redistricting, budget, schools. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to call a special election Monday that he hopes will recapture the reform mantle that swept him into office in the unprecedented 2003 recall. But the governor's decision to go to the voters Nov. 8 with a series of initiatives also will unleash the forces of money and partisanship on issues unconnected to Schwarzenegger's self-proclaimed reform agenda. "It's hard to see any downside to calling the special election,'' said Dan Schnur, a Republican consultant. "At the very worst, (Schwarzenegger) comes out with the status quo.'' For...

NEW YORK -- Danny Goldberg, a longtime music industry executive, took over as chief executive of Air America Radio on Thursday in the latest sign that the liberal talk radio network is gaining its footing after a rocky start. Goldberg, whose New York-based record label Artemis represents artists including Steve Earle and the late Warren Zevon, took over from acting CEO Doug Kreeger, who stepped aside in December but remains an advisor and board member for the company.

Californians Start Movement to Recall DavisBy John Gizzi Sacramento, Cal.—The talk at the California Republican Party convention here last week centered around the move to recall Democratic Gov. Gray Davis and elect a replacement using a unique provision in California law. Four months after he was re-elected by an unimpressive margin of 47% to 42% over Republican Bill Simon, Davis is sporting a disapproval rating of 72%.His surge in unpopularity derives from his misstatement of the state’s deficit.   Before the November election, Davis said it was $25 billion and could be serviced.  After the election, he announced it was...