CaliDopers: How has Schwarzenneger done as governor?

In My Humble Opinion
1

I know he was re-elected in a landslide last year, but that might be chalked up to lack of a compelling opponent. Outside California, he doesn’t get mentioned in the news very often. What do you think of his record?

2

I think he has been doing quite an impressive job. When he fails at something, he backs off, re-evaluates, and works on something else. He has paid attention at family dinners, that’s for sure.

3

Kennedy family dinners? :wink:

4

California Republicans are Texas Democrats. :wink:

5

Lack of a compelling opponent is right. I’m no fan of Schwarzenegger’s political career, but if I had still been living in California, I probably would have voted for him over Phil Angelides.

6

He has proven to be a competent governor with the ability to compromise. He has good intentions and is willing to back off if he realizes that it is impossible to implement his vision. He has star power which allows him to schmooze with anyone he wants.

He is not the whore that Gray Davis was, who would suck off anyone if he thought it would be to his advantage. By the way, I voted for Larry Flynt, I’m a registered Democrat (not psyched about any party), and have voted for only two Republicans, the Governator being one of them (second time around). The other, Brooks Firestone was a mistake.

I’m pleasantly surprised with him, as I had zero faith initially. I still have sour feelings about the previous governor who was an actor. This one is a LOT better.

7

Didn’t CA have a huge budget deficit when Schwarzenegger took office? Has he gotten a handle on that?

(Mods, please fix spelling of name in thread title.)

8

He’s kind of deceptive. I like that he doesn’t take the straight Republian line, but sometimes it seems sneakier to propose “Universal Health Care” that really benefits the insurance companies and penalizes the poor. He’s had a few plans for the government employee sector that looks like they get new benefits, but actually reduces the state contribution. The bind is that the Dems have to appear greatful when he co-opts their slogans, even if the programs are skewed to help the rich.