Workers' comp victory boosts governor's standing in Capitol

By TOM CHORNEAU, Associated Press Writer
Last Updated 5:30 a.m. PDT Thursday, April 15, 2004
SACRAMENTO (AP) - As if he didn't already wield oversized influence in the Capitol, the imminent accord over workers' compensation reform gives Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger what observers called another link in an impressive chain of victories.

Many applauded the Republican governor's bipartisan efforts, while others worried his popularity and growing mystique of invincibility will translate into Schwarzenegger dictating terms to the Democrat-controlled Legislature on virtually any issue, including this year's budget debate.

"Everyone is giving a wide berth to this guy, he's now viewed as the man who can make miracles happen," said Larry Gerston, a political science professor at San Jose State University. "He carries tremendous sway with the public and the Legislature is almost in awe of him."

Since taking office only six months ago, Schwarzenegger has forced an otherwise wayward Legislature to repeal a law giving driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants; approve more than $1 billion in midyear spending cuts; place a $15 billion bond measure and a spending cap on the ballot; and then get reluctant voters to approve the bonds.

more: http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/story/8890156p-9816600c.html

who plays action-hero type roles in order to beat this guy.

He is Governor not just because he got the most votes. He is also Governor because a majority of California voters wanted to give Gray Davis the heave-ho. As long as Arnold remains popular, he will be very difficult to beat.

If someone like Rob Reiner or Barbara Boxer ran for governor.

Don't be fooled by the rightwing media, the Gropinator is not that well liked in the state.

I can't understand it... either Arnold has become quite popular...or it is the same tactics that a minority President has used: ignore the fact that you don't have a mandate and just bulldoze your ideas into legislation.

Why are the Democrats letting Arnold get away with murder? Why are they not protecting the workers? Is California going to go through the systematic destruction of its social system in silence just like the nation has been letting Bush go wild without saying anything until Howard Dean stood up and said the emperor has no clothes?

What's going on here? Is there something going on in CA that we outside don't know about?