Conservatives going hard against Arnold

California Republicans won't take long to figure out Arnold isn't one of them. Rush is leading the charge:

"He has told the press he is 'very liberal' about social programs, supports abortion and homosexual adoption, and advocates 'sensible gun controls.' His entree into politics last year was a proposition Democrats endorsed because it raised state spending for what amounted to state babysitting - before-school and after-school programs that cost the state up to $455 million a year. He has complained openly about the party's conservatism.... Talk magazine described him as 'impatient' with the religious right....

[H]e expressed disgust with the Republicans who impeached Clinton. 'That was another thing I will never forgive the Republican Party for,' he said. 'We spent one year wasting time because there was a human failure. I was ashamed to call myself a Republican during that period.'"

Does this sound like "the Next Reagan," as some people are calling Arnold? Hardly. This guy may be the next actor elected governor of California, but that's where the similarity between him and Ronaldus Magnus end.

It's true, Schwarzenegger seems to be running as a Democrat -- a free-spending, pro-gay rights Democrat. So does the enemy of my enemy make him my friend? Nope. I can't support anyone with an (R) next to their name, especially with Rove hovering around trying to gain points.

In any case, it's clear Rush is leading a party-wide conservative movement against Arnold. Given California's right-wing Republicans, there's no guarantee Schwarzenegger can win this thing (they want the wingnut Simon). He'd have to attract independents and Democrats. I have doubts he can grab the latter, so that leaves the former. It'll be tough.

(Incidentally, Rush also attacks Arnold here.)

Let me make one thing clear -- a Governor Schwarzenegger will not put California in play for Bush. Period. No more so than Gov. Brad Henry puts Oklahoma in play for the Dems. CW is that a governor will give his party a 1-2 point boost in a presidential election. In a close state (like Arizona or New Hampshire) that could make all the difference. In California, it'll never happen.

Posted August 09, 2003 09:59 AM