Posted on 05/17/2005 6:19:03 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
ROCKLIN, Calif. - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger distanced himself Tuesday from a measure that would limit the use of union dues for political purposes, just one day after his chief strategist said the governor was considering campaigning for its passage.
The Legislature's Democratic majority considers the dues initiative the most threatening of the Republican-backed measures that could be put before voters in a possible special election this fall because it would effectively dry up a major source of their campaign money.
The governor has until mid-June to decide whether to call the election but has said he would rather work out compromise solutions with Democrats.
While the governor has not endorsed the union dues measure, his chief strategist, Mike Murphy, said Monday that Schwarzenegger has asked for polling, focus group research and other activities to be undertaken in advance of a possible campaign.
The governor, however, told reporters following an event at a Rocklin elementary school Tuesday that Murphy "speaks for himself."
Schwarzenegger didn't deny asking for the political reconnaissance but discounted its significance. "I have people look into all kinds of things," he said.
The assurances from the governor did little to calm Democrats.
Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, D-Los Angeles, called the governor's move dishonest, claiming Schwarzenegger had told him privately he had nothing to do with the measure.
"It really speaks to the dishonesty in the governor's office," said Nunez at a Capitol press conference. "He's gone back on his word, he's gone back on his deals."
The harsh words drew a strong response from the governor's office.
Margita Thompson, Schwarzenegger's spokeswoman, said that Nunez owed the governor an apology.
"He should knock off his ... histrionics and come to the table to do what is in the best interests of the people of California," she said.
The exchange is the latest escalation of tension between Schwarzenegger and Democratic leaders over the pending election decision. Both sides claim they want to compromise and accuse the other of not negotiating in good faith.
Expectations around the Capitol are that more serious talks will begin as the deadline to call the election draws near.
The governor is backing three ballot measures that would impose: a new spending cap; longer probation periods for public school teachers; and new legislative districts.
Other measures are also likely to qualify, including Democrat-supported plans to re-regulate the state's energy market and to provide prescription drug discounts. The Secretary of State has also announced the first of the measures qualified - an initiative that would require notification of parents before a minor mother is allowed to get an abortion.
Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger announced plans for an out-of-state fundraising trip this weekend. The governor will attend private Florida events in Tampa, Orlando and Miami on Friday and Saturday. He's scheduled to visit Chicago and Dallas on Monday.
ON THE NET
Gov.'s home page: http://www.governor.ca.gov/state/govsite/gov_homepage.jsp
California Senate: http://www.sen.ca.gov/
California Assembly: http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/defaulttext.asp
Part of Social Security reform should be all workers in the US pay into the system, why should public employees be allowed to opt out?
The Libs tell me private pensions funds don't work, seen to work ok for public employees.
So far, Arnold has been a disappointment. A big disappointment.
Must be why he has so many advisors.
This way he can fire them off one by one as he bobs and weaves his way thru the issues at hand.
Pension Reform: Abandoned
Merit Pay: Abandoned
Spending Cap: Abandoned, selects weak alternative with no teeth
Redistricting: Problems with impementation -- Per SOS McPherson (R)
Tenure Pay: Good idea, but hardly merits special election
Public Union Contributions: Arnold "distances himself"
There is certainly every indication that Schwarzenegger is not committed to the initiative at this time and he probably is in philosophically disagreement with the idea but this article and Schwarzenegger's actions on Monday afternoon show him neither "backing away" nor "going forward" on this measure.
This article reminds me of the liberal scam of the "net sum zero" gambit. Also consider the source. AP has no interest in harming the cause of any liberal agenda including union representation for the underclass.
Agreed. I did not accept the "backing away" headline, but based on Arnold's quote that Murphy "speaks for himself," I think "distances himself" was an accurate portrayal at this time.
By the way, does it disturb anyone that Arnold's "chief strategist" is said to "speak for himself"?
Neither disturbed nor surprised. Schwarzenegger is simply ill prepared or unfit to a be politician ...
which is not necessarily bad ...
unless he's the governor ...
and state spending exceeds its income ...
and it is increasing its indebtedness as a percentage of its revenue.
A big disappointment.
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