AIRAN SCRUBY
Staff Writer
Though Gov. Arnold Schwarzen egger hopes to be back for a second term in office, recent polls suggest that Californians may be saying “hasta la vista” to their celebrity governor.
Schwarzenegger’s approval rating stands at 31 percent, according to a San Jose State University poll taken in September, a new low for the body-building actor turned politico. The governor entered office after a recall election, making numerous campaign promises, particularly about California’s growing budget problems.
Tensions with the California Legislature barred some efforts, however, and economic trouble forced the governor to make tough decisions about the state budget.
With the 2006 elections nearing, Schwarzenegger must find the confidence of Californians once again if he plans to retain his position for another term.
The poll numbers show that Californians are less than sympathetic to the amateur statesman, however, and the governor is risking his political career in a special election scheduled for Nov. 8.
While Schwarzenegger and his supporters say the initiatives on the ballot are important non-partisan issues for Californians, most Democrats in the state say they believe the election is a sign of the governor’s desperation, and an attempt to snatch more power to control the budget without the approval of other officials. Each side says that the other is listening only to special interest groups and is out of touch with the people.
Schwarzenegger called the elections to bring three measures before voters: one that gives the governor the authority to draw mid-year budget cuts, one that would give the power to redraw legislative districts to judges (rather than allowing legislators to do so), and one that allows school boards to more easily fire teachers who receive unsatisfactory evaluations.
Other initiatives were later added to the ballot, including one that requires workers’ unions to obtain written permission from members to use their dues for political purposes, which the governor has endorsed.
Another controversial initiative would make it mandatory to notify the parents of a minor 48 hours before allowing her to have an abortion. Though Schwarzenegger has not officially endorsed this measure, he said he supports it in principle.
Two other measures, supported by Democrats, would reregulate the energy market and lower prescription drug prices.
The governor kicked off his campaign to get out the vote for the special election in Orange County on Oct. 11.
Pepperdine’s chapter of the College Republicans has taken responsibility for Schwarzenegger’s campaign in Malibu, walking precincts and reaching out to registered Republican voters in the city.
The organization’s president, senior Katie Vaughan, said the ballot measures are extremely important for the future of California. Vaughan said the initiatives were about non-partisan issues and that the governor’s stand on them is the right one.
Despite low approval, Vaughan said she believes the governor is an example of the American dream, as an immigrant who has climbed to a successful life in America.
Vaughan said dwindling support for the governor could be attributed to negative advertising by his opponents. Special interest groups, according to Vaughan, are also spreading false information about the initiatives and Schwarzenegger’s campaign.
“Liberals are using the media to influence voters,” Vaughan said. “It’s just propaganda.”
Sophomore Michael Wang, president of Pepperdine’s Young Democrats, said the issues on the ballot cater to special interest groups. Wang said Schwarzenegger is a centrist, who has compromised on key issues.
Yet most are calling for more compromise on the governor’s part as he enters the campaign for reelection next year.
Vaughan said that to win, Schwarzenegger may need to assume a more moderate position with some issues, such as gay marriage, to win over groups like the Log Cabin Republicans (an organization of gays and lesbians who support the Republican party).
But will a Republican candidate (even a famous one) find any success in the political climate of California, known as one of the most left-wing states in the country? Most seem to think that it may not be likely but is possible.
Vaughan said that by making minor changes to his political platform, it would be possible to win, however difficult, for Schwarzenegger.
“If Bush could win the 2004 election in America, I wouldn’t be surprised if Schwarzenegger won in 2006,” Vaughan said.
10-31-05