Schwarzenegger says he will not reopen budget talks

Sacramento Bee ^ | 2/18/9 | Shane Goldmacher

[SmithL]

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said today that he would not re-open broad negotiations over the state budget -- despite the demand of the new Republican leader in the Senate to remove proposed tax increases -- and told lawmakers to "hold tight" in the effort to win passage of a $41 billion package.

"I know it's a difficult budget," Schwarzenegger said. "The legislators are tired. They have spent nights here, but we are still one vote short. We are going to find that one vote. I want to encourage the legislators to do everything they can and just hold tight and to go and to pass this budget. Never give up."

He downplayed the ouster of Senate Minority Leader Dave Cogdill early this morning, saying the situation has not changed: Cogdill and one other Republican, Sen. Roy Ashburn, will still vote for the plan. Two other GOP senators -- Dave Cox of Fair Oaks and Abel Maldonado of Santa Maria -- have been talking to the governor and Senate Democrats about changes that could make one of them provide the final vote needed for passage.

"I will not open up the negotiations on this budget,

[JSDude1]

NO

[Political Junkie Too]

"...we are still one vote short. We are going to find that one vote."

I'm sure glad that Schwarzenegger is standing up for his fellow Republicans.

-PJ

[CottonBall]

I know it's a difficult budget," Schwarzenegger said. "The legislators are tired. They have spent nights here, but we are still one vote short. We are going to find that one vote. I want to encourage the legislators to do everything they can and just hold tight and to go and to pass this budget. Never give up."

Sounds more like a union thug blackmail scheme than bipartisan negotiations.

[CottonBall]

Republicans in California should say nothing but, “The majority party has failed to bringforth anything that does not rely upon heavy thievry from the people of our state. Opposing such thievry is part of our Republican caucus’ fundamental worth to the citizens of a heavily taxed state we all love.” The same statement, over and over.

Actually, I think they also need to come up with a bill of their own that solves the budget without taxing citizens more. Then, they can say that it can be done and show how.

[CottonBall]

Dammit! I spoke with Assburn’s office last night and they said he hadn’t put forth a position yet. I’m calling again to see if they refute the Sac Bee article. I’m so F’n sick of those punks who staff their offices and their damn lies!

Let me know what they say. He's my rep and I've called and emailed letting him know how disgusted I am with him. And that he should change his party affiliation if he's willing to raise taxes on citizens during a recession (after most have lost 30% of their home equity AND 40% of their 401Ks).

[SZonian]

They denied it, said it was rumor by the SAC Bee then hung up on me while I was talking to them.

RECALL that SOB! Make him leave in disgrace, not in a golden parachute.

SZ

[calcowgirl]

I think they were playing games with the truth. Technically, he hadn’t set forth a position since he had abstained from voting (in multiple rounds) until they got Maldonado to roll and provide the final vote needed. He was never “on record” as supporting it until that final round.

His speech was a real gagger, using Ronald Reagan as his reason for voting for taxes (Hey, Reagan did it! WWRRD? He’d vote for it!)

I share your outrage.

He also supported Maldonado’s open primary bills, I believe.

[SZonian]

The Bakersfield Californian had him on record, they even wrote an editorial in defense of his position. The bastard and all his staff lied. Semantics, word smithing, whatever, he KNEW what he was going to do.

He sold us out for a few measly pieces of silver and the RATS will still SH*T on him and the other so-called R’s who voted for this POS.

We are hunkering down now. No extra spending except for ammo, we will be making as many purchases as we can at the exchange and commissary. No dining out unless it’s for a special event, etc., etc.

Where do we go from here?

SZ

[calcowgirl]

Where do we go from here?

I wish I knew. :-(

[SZonian]

I need to go for really long mountain bike ride to clear my head. Then see what my options are. I don’t think I will be able to stay here out of principle. I could probably afford it, but there is little, if any chance of moving forward.
SZ

[Mojave]

Thank goodness we have a Republican governor with line item veto power.

/sarcasm