Schwarzenegger spars in Cal. campaign's only debate

SACRAMENTO, California (Reuters) - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger faced steady criticism from his Democratic opponent on Saturday in a debate but did not stumble in a campaign that polls suggests he leads by large margins.

"Who can you trust to do the right thing by middle class families in the state?" State Treasurer Phil Angelides said in the only scheduled debate of the governor's race. "Unfortunately, Mr. Schwarzenegger has not done the right thing."

The Republican former bodybuilding champion and Hollywood action star needled Angelides over taxes as he sought to convince voters to give him another four years in office.

"You have been so far for every single tax increase since you have been in office," Schwarzenegger said in what was called a "conversational debate" with a moderator between two seated candidates.

Angelides sought to tie Schwarzenegger to the Republican leadership in Washington. "When you speak like this," he said, "you sound like George Bush."

The candidates sparred on education, the state budget, transportation, security and personal character, mostly repeating themes outlined on the campaign trail.

Democrats far outnumber Republicans in California, but Schwarzenegger is far ahead in polls after a year in which he has worked closely with the Democratic-majority state legislature.

The former Mr. Universe had stumbled badly in polls in 2005 after taking an aggressively partisan stance that alienated voters. "I learned my lesson," he said. "I pushed too fast."

Schwarzenegger took a tough line in a post-debate comment to reporters about a sex scandal roiling his party. Republican Mark Foley of Florida resigned from the U.S. House of Representatives last week after the publication of lewd Internet messages to male teen-age congressional aides.

Some Democrats have accused Republican congressional leaders of covering up Foley's inappropriate conduct, which the Republicans have denied.

"If anyone else out there knew about it they should resign," Schwarzenegger said.Angelides, a Harvard graduate and former real estate developer, has relentlessly criticized Schwarzenegger since he was elected three years ago, but struggles to raise his profile among voters and typically projects a serious demeanor.

Schwarzenegger delivered the debate's biggest laugh lines.

"I feel a little like I am having dinner with Uncle Teddy at Thanksgiving," Schwarzenegger said, referring to his wife's uncle Sen. Ted Kennedy, a leading liberal Democrat.

Angelides seemed taken aback when Schwarzenegger asked him toward the end of the hour what was the funniest moment in his campaign. "Every day is just a hoot," the treasurer replied, without citing any particular moment.