Patrick Mallon and Phil Brennan, NewsMax.com
Monday, July 28, 2003

But one thing is sure: If he runs, Arnold Schwarzenegger won’t have the support of the conservative Reaganites who dominate the state's Republican party.

"The conservative wing of the party doesn’t want Schwarzenegger," syndicated talk show host and Fox News commentator Mike Reagan told NewsMax Sunday. Reagan is the son of former president Ronald Reagan and a champion of his father's conservatism.

Former White House staffer and Republican strategist Ken Khachigian notes that conservatives are already criticizing Schwarzenegger's statement that he was "ashamed" of his party's attack on former President Clinton during the 1998 impeachment. Schwarzenegger opposed Bill Clinton's impeachment.

"That's like [The Dixie Chicks'] Natalie Maines saying she was ashamed to be from the same state as the president," Khachigian, now an adviser for GOP gubernatorial candidate Rep. Darrell Issa, told the Sacramento Bee. "Republicans are asking what are the differences between Gray Davis and him."

Popular radio host George Putnam, who airs on Los Angeles' KPLS, echoes the sentiments of most conservatives. "I love Arnold," Putnam says, "but this is not his moment. This is a moment that demands a person steeped in political and economic skills who can save this state."

Putnam says the recall election is "not a popularity contest, but a defining moment in the state's history. It's a time that calls for statesmanship."

But the press hype suggests that Schwarzenegger has Republican Party support all but locked up.

Hit the rewind button to early last year. Richard Riordan, the Republican mayor of Los Angeles, announced his intention to run for governor.

The liberal mayor was so quickly anointed to be the candidate that the major media – and even the White House – forgot a little thing called a primary.

They had little idea that political neophyte Bill Simon would defeat Riordan in the March 2002 primary.

But those who have their fingers on the pulse of the party knew what the establishment types didn’t – that Republicans in California don’t want a Republican who acts and talks and votes like a Democrat. That was Richard Riordan.

Riordan is very close to Arnold Schwarzenegger and says he’ll defer to him if he runs.

America's Terminator

To be sure, Republicans like Arnold Schwarzenegger.

He is a charismatic millionaire body builder/businessman/action hero. He embodies the Republican ideal of the "self-made man."

Born on July 30, 1947, in Graz, Austria, Arnold Schwarzenegger is a perfectionist who loathes confusion, lack of discipline and disorder.

He also has a huge fan base and is much beloved.

But a big question looms about the actor – does he have the experience to deal with the worst fiscal crisis the state of California has ever faced?

Also, the base of the California Republicans – the core voters who will vote in a special recall race – may not be thrilled with Arnold’s social liberalism.

He characterizes himself as a true blue Republican, but is "pro-choice" when most conservatives oppose abortion.

He supports gay adoption, despite the fact that both conservative Republicans and moderate Democrats voted by a 61 percent margin for Proposition 22, the Defense of Marriage Initiative, which defined marriage as that between a man and a woman. He supports gun control, a position strongly opposed by traditional conservatives.

Former Sen. Bill Bradley, D-N.J., has said of Arnold, "He's pro-choice [pro-abortion], pro-gay rights. ... He's a member of the Kennedy family and some of that, I think, has rubbed off on him."

What Do Conservatives Think of Arnold?

Republican consultant Sal Russo told NewsMax, "You cannot get elected governor of California today without having a plan to deal with the momentous problems Gray Davis either created or exacerbated. Being a celebrity is not enough."

"Without a transition period, it is imperative that the new governor be prepared to govern from day one," Russo said.

"That will make it extremely difficult for candidates who are unfamiliar with state issues. For a Republican to be successful, they also have to be in synch with the Republican base, which will dominate the turnout in a special election. It will not be friendly territory for a RINO [Republican in name only]."

Arnold is not a total RINO like Richard Riordan, but he’s untested and relatively unexamined. He may fade quickly as voters focus on his qualifications to be governor.

White House officials have indicated they would look kindly on a Schwarzenegger candidacy. Karl Rove, President Bush's primary adviser, told the New York Times that Schwarzenegger as California governor would be "nice. Really, really nice."

But that’s pretty much what they were saying about Riordan last year.

Arnold has a history with the Bush family, having served as the chairman of the President's Council on Sports and Fitness during the during the first Bush administration from 1990-92.

But Rove and the White House have been wrong before, tapping Riordan, who was rejected by the party faithful.

The Reagan Mantle

One thing is for sure: In this election, the candidates will be trying to grab the mantle of Ronald Reagan, the twice-elected governor who inherited a fiscal mess when he took office in 1967.

Schwarzenegger so admires "The Gipper" that he has a large bust of Reagan in his office.

"Reagan was heaven," he says.

But Michael Reagan told NewsMax.com that Schwarzenegger is not a conservative and he and other California conservatives will not support him if he runs in the recall election.

"The only thing Schwarzenegger has ever done politically is put a ballot measure on the California ballot in the last election to raise my taxes," Reagan said.

"He is not a conservative. All he’s got is a name because he’s an actor. If you want to know the difference between my father and Arnold Schwarzenegger, I’ll give you a couple: Maria Shriver/Nancy Reagan is one. There’s a big difference politically between them.

"And number two, Ronald Reagan held the position of running a union, nine times as president of the Screen Actor’s Guild, and was active politically for many, many years before he ever delved into elective politics himself when he finally ran for governor.

"Arnold Schwarzenegger, on the other hand, is nothing but an actor. He has never been a politician and he hasn’t given me one reason to vote for him. Vote for him for Actor of the Year? Maybe."

Reagan added that he is supporting Darrell Issa, the California congressman who put up the money to get the recall election off the ground.

Appealing Candidate

Arnold does have several attributes that make him an appealing candidate.

He is well-known and liked. He has money.

The candidates for the recall vote will have just two months to run – not enough time to raise the $10 million insiders say will be necessary to win. A serious candidate needs to plunk down his own money to win.

Arnold also has some good advisers.

Arnold's "Kitchen Cabinet" derives directly from one of his strongest backers, former California Gov. Pete Wilson himself.

Arnold’s staff includes George Gorton, campaign manager for former Gov. and Sen. Pete Wilson, as well as Bob White, Chief of Staff for Gov. Wilson.

But the question remains: Will California voters elect an actor who has no executive or public policy experience to head the state during its worst financial crisis ever?

Even if the Terminator could win the hearts of the Republican base, it's doubtful he would be able to win over the California electorate.

Read more on this subject in related Hot Topics:
California Governor's Race

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