Total Reform: Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger
Now playing at a ballot box near you.
Today, voters will determine the future of California.
AP reports: “[Gov. Schwarzenegger] says his four initiatives come down to this: moving the state backward or moving it ahead. But Democrats and powerful labor unions that oppose him see only a vendetta against teachers, firefighters and other working people.”
To be accurate: they don’t “see,” but rather actively portray. Important difference.
“We must make the government a better servant to the people,” the actor-turned-governor said during a last-minute appeal for votes Monday as he canvassed the state in a private jet. He pleaded with residents, “Give me the tools to reform the system.”
His plea is understandable. Schwarzenegger was elected in a special recall, ousting then-sitting Gov. Gray Davis due to incompetence and creating a fiscal disaster for the state.
By proposing aggressive initiatives to change the status quo, the governor is delivering on his promise: reform. And that’s giving voters what they asked for.
“Schwarzenegger’s proposals represent an epic fight for power in Sacramento. If approved, they would undercut the power of the majority Democrats and the public employee unions that have frustrated Schwarzenegger’s agenda while slowing runaway state spending.
The outcome of the election could blot his re-election hopes or provide fresh evidence of his populist clout.”
As Schwarzenegger said last week, he wouldn’t think of shying away from a fight. And that’s what he’s got.
“His proposals represent an epic fight for power in Sacramento. If approved, they would undercut the power of the majority Democrats and the public employee unions that have frustrated Schwarzenegger’s agenda while slowing runaway state spending.
The outcome of the election could blot his re-election hopes or provide fresh evidence of his populist clout.”
The battle is intense and fiercely partisan.
Democrats and labor groups have focused on getting union members to the polls, encouraging a blanket “no” vote on most of the eight initiatives on Tuesday’s ballot.
. . .Schwarzenegger faced long odds, according to several recent independent polls. Democrats and labor unions have spent more than $100 million to defeat him, outspending Schwarzenegger by about 2-1. The polls have shown that none of Schwarzenegger’s proposals has majority support among likely California voters.
But the polls can’t be trusted. The ultimate poll shall be determined by counting votes.
Schwarzenegger has dismissed polls and cast the election as a second step toward reform after the 2003 gubernatorial recall election. After a steep drop in popularity, he has sought to recapture the outsider credentials that propelled him to office that year.
“The Governator” has made a number of onscreen, action-hero sequels with great success.
We trust this election will be no different. Total Reform: Beyond The Recall.
November 8th, 2005 at 12:36 pm
[...] “Judgment Day”: Coverage of California’s Special Election » November 8th: California’s Special Election and Gov. Schwarzenegger’sInitiatives » Total Reform: Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger » Schwarzenegger: “Give Change A Chance” » Gov. Schwarzenegger: Track Record » Fighting Against Reform: Special Interests Raise Over $100 Million » Attacking Arnold: What They’re Saying » Gov. Schwarzenegger: The Opposition Is Using Scare Tactics » So, Why Did California Vote For A Recall? » Getting Out The Vote: Election Questions » “Carnival of Arnold” — Inaugural Edition » Get Out The Vote For Reform: Join The 10×10 Campaign » Prop. 73: Parents Have The Right To Know » Thou Shalt Show No Cross: School Apologizes For A Sign of Faith » Masters, Handlers, & Slaves » CIA Dirty Tricks? » Let’s Junk the V-12 Hybrid » Is America Still Red Vs. Blue, or Purpler? » Warren “Bulworth” Beatty and Wife Try To Crash Schwarzenegger Rally » Prop. 73: Abortion Notification List all posts » [...]