Free Republic

Every new year seems to bring on a new Arnold Schwarzenegger. In his first State of the State address in January 2004, he was the Arnold who would “blow up the boxes” and remake state government. That idea fizzled, and in 2005 he proclaimed the “year of reform.” This notion became the four ballot measures stomped on by the voters in the November special election. So in 2006 Schwarzenegger is back with another “New Arnold,” this time as the great empire builder. JIM WILSON / The New York Times Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, left, shares a laugh with Senate President Pro...

SACRAMENTO – Coming off a politically disastrous 2005 in which he alienated practically everybody at one time or another, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will outline tonight an ambitious agenda for the state and set the table for his unexpectedly difficult campaign for a second term. The governor's State of the State address from the Capitol will be the first time he has directly addressed California voters since they rejected his "reform agenda" in November. After a year of harsh and ultimately fruitless partisan combat, the Republican governor has signaled a return to the bipartisan governing style that earned him high approval...