Governor Arnold

Date: 26-06-2003 Posted by: Anabolic Info TeamUnited States

Republicans and Democrats alike can't help but be intrigued by the California gubernatorial picture. Democratic Gov. Gray Davis -- after only seven months in office -- is facing a recall at the hands of California constituents already displeased with his term. And as interesting as this turn of events is, one GOP candidate potentially vying for the governorship is perhaps even more interesting: "Terminator 3" star Arnold Schwarzenegger. The idea of Schwarzenegger as California governor is somewhat scary, not because the actor isn't qualified, but because his qualifications pose a legitimate threat to Davis. Schwarzenegger has said many times in recent months that he would run for governor "if the state needs me." The state needs anyone but Davis.

Many already know that Schwarzenegger has flirted with the idea of being California governor before, years ago, at the time of Davis' first term. He wasn't ready then, as a column I wrote stated, but he is now.

Times change and so do people -- some grow and mature while others lose touch. As a man and a politician, Schwarzenegger has grown. Conversely, Davis has only lost touch, as is evident by the recent tripling of various California vehicle taxes and increased efforts by others to get signatures for his recall. It is this recall that has given Schwarzenegger his window of opportunity -- one he is poised to take advantage of.

The recall effort, which only started gaining momentum in May, must produce 897,158 valid signatures by Sept. 2 to force an election next year, according to The Associated Press. Last month, there were reportedly only 18,590 signatures submitted. As of June 16 -- the most recent statistics available -- that number grew to 376,008.

Dave Gilliard, who is overseeing the petition drive, told Sacramento's Mercury News on Tuesday that the campaign recently turned in a total of 625,000 signatures with another 240,000 ready to hand over. If the campaign can submit enough valid signatures by July 16, according to the AP, it could force a special election this fall instead of next year. Because an election next fall coinciding with the state's primary election would encourage an increased Democratic voter turnout, it would be in the GOP's best interests to act swiftly. In either case, Davis' job is in real jeopardy -- that much is inarguable.

But what about Schwarzenegger the politician? His main strengths fall into the realm of education, specifically programs for latchkey kids and the poor. Schwarzenegger has spent the past 10 years heading the National Inner-City Games Foundation, a non-profit group that "provides free after-school and summer activities to low-income children," according to the AP. This group alone "reaches 250,000 kids in 15 cities year-round," according to Parade.

Schwarzenegger even authored Proposition 49 in 2002, requiring state grants for all California middle and elementary schools' after-school programs. Passing with 56 percent of the vote, the proposition is now law. Schwarzenegger has political ties through his wife Maria Shriver, a renowned journalist and member of the Kennedy family. He also works with well-known political adviser George Gorton and, according to the AP, has spent recent months "having discussions with political insiders and potential supporters." The headline on the cover of this month's Esquire, which features Schwarzenegger, says, "The Next Governor of California. Really."

Celebrities have traditionally fared well in politics. Ronald Reagan, a former actor, was one of this country's greatest presidents. Former wrestler Jesse Ventura was once governor of Minnesota. Actor Clint Eastwood has been mayor of Carmel, Calif., and the late singer Sonny Bono was a Republican congressman from California. So if the past is any indication of things to come, a celebrity will do well in politics, especially in California.

In any event, the citizens of California are not pleased with their current leadership, this much is inarguable, and Schwarzenegger represents change. Davis has called the efforts to recall him "sour grapes by a bunch of losers." If all goes well, by next March, America will see what a loser Davis is.