Posted on 02/01/2006 7:51:21 PM PST by NormsRevenge
In this upside down world we call California politics, few things are what they seem, but always full of intrigue.
The Protagonists.
Arnold. Our maverick Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has charted a new course politically. He has proposed an ambitious infrastructure program paid for by bonds. There are few precedents in history for such a high stakes proposal during an election year and so 2006 promises to be interesting if not nail-biting - but that is not the half of it.
Don Perata & Fabian Nunez. On the Democrats' side, Senate Majority Leader Don Perata (East Bay/9th District) and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez (46th Dist/Los Angeles) are having the time of their life. Each are majority leaders presiding over caucuses with wide margins over their Republican counter-parts. But even that is not the half of it.
To the contrary, both Perata and Nunez enjoy perhaps an unprecedented relationship with the Governor of the opposing Party.
Indeed, in numerous and important instances, Perata and Nunez have negotiated directly with the Governor without the presence of their Republican counterparts. Such access and influence is rare and appreciated by both men.
Perhaps even more significant than their relationship with Arnold is their lack of fondness for Steve Westly and Phil Angelides – the Democrat front-runners for governor. In fact, it is no secret that neither candidate is a favorite of the other Dems in Sacramento.
Antonio R. Villaraigosa. The new Mayor of Los Angeles is young and has an enormous opportunity to reshape California politics. Beyond being the Mayor of the 2nd largest city in the United States, and the potential for success that that brings, Villaraigosa is young, attractive and Latino. You do the math.
If Villaraigosa succeeds, then there is but no question that he would be the leading Democrat candidate in the future for Governor.
Something his good friend Fabian Nunez would love to see.
The Intrigue.
Therein lies all the elements. Perata and Nunez like working with Arnold – some would even say they are getting what they want as a matter of policy already. They are not fond of Westly or Angelides and – and this is important – if either is elected over Arnold – then the power of Perata and Nunez is diminished significantly. Instead of being the face of the Party and the media draws that they are, they would have to take a back seat to either of two men with whom they do not have a close relationship.
On the other hand, if Arnold is reelected, they maintain power for four more years – and in 2010 – their good friend Villaraigosa would be the front-runner for Governor. Oh, and by the way, did I mention that Arnold has spoken well of Villaraigosa?
Oliver Stone movie or California politics? You decide..
Billy Crystal can play aRnold and the 3 Amigos fellas can play the rest.
Okay, I'll play. Christine Lahti can play Arnold's new "#1".
Yes, a very humorous political scene out there. What exactly could we call Arnold now? Is he a liberoconservative, a coservoliberal? Either way, he's acting like the newest member of the cast of Dodgeball!!
A product of genepolitical research.
That's rich.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.