Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/9824
4B – Daily News – Friday, April 30, 2010 Schwarzenegger fights to protect his legacy SACRAMENTO (MCT)— Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has long relied on the ballot as a political weapon, wield- ing direct democracy over the heads of opponents throughout his time in office. In his final year, wealthy donors have turned the tables. They hope to use the ballot to erase two of his biggest legacy pieces, a landmark climate change law and an independent redistrict- ing process. Schwarzenegger is eyeing a major fall show- down against oil compa- nies and other businesses over an initiative to sus- pend Assembly Bill 32, which requires California to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Many firms did not support that change four years ago because they feared higher costs and now sense a chance to derail it as California struggles with a 12.6 per- cent unemployment rate. Contributors — mostly oil firms and a mysterious Missouri donor, the Adam Smith Foundation — have paid $1.9 million to gath- er signatures for an initia- tive to suspend AB 32. Another donor, enter- tainment magnate Haim Saban, has loaned $2 mil- lion toward a second ini- tiative that would once again let state lawmakers draw political boundaries, defying the governor's previous efforts. Schwarzene gger acknowledges he will have to play defense this fall. HERB CLASS May 8 @ 10am How & Where to plant them How to cook with them and they are good for you Why Please call to reserve seat Red Bluff Garden Center 766 Antelope Blvd. Red Bluff • 527-0886 "You do something really well and it is very successful and then peo- ple are there to take it out again," he observed last week. But how successfully can Schwarzenegger pro- tect his agenda? His poll ratings are at an all-time low after per- sistent budget cuts and last year's temporary tax hikes. Fundraising has been a constant strength for Schwarzenegger, but he is a lame duck who has to find money for several fights. The governor already has tapped donors this spring for an open primary initiative on the June 8 ballot. He must also advocate for an $11 billion water bond in November, another cru- cial piece of his agenda. "I think he has to pick his battles pretty careful- ly," said Gale Kaufman, a Democratic political con- sultant and adviser to the California Teachers Asso- ciation. Schwarzenegger's political strategist, Adam Mendelsohn, said the governor remains com- mitted to passing the water bond this fall. He emphasized that Schwarzenegger won't have to fight any of these battles alone. "There are very signifi- cant, influential con- stituencies that are going to charge up the mountain to defend both of these policies," he said of AB 32 and redistricting. "The burden to beat back these campaigns is not entirely on the shoulders of Arnold Schwarzenegger." A campaign to fight the AB 32 suspension has drawn support from envi- ronmentalists, renewable energy companies and technology firms, as well as foundations. Steven Maviglio, spokesman for the effort, expressed con- fidence that his campaign would have plenty of MCT file photo Schwarzenegger speaks at the White House. money. "We'll be going mano a mano with the polluters," he said. So far, oil companies have financed most of the drive to put the initiative on the ballot. The propos- al would suspend AB 32 until unemployment drops to 5.5 percent for four consecutive quarters. Proponents say con- sumers and businesses will pay substantial costs to cut carbon emissions. Schwarzenegger and environmental groups suggest that AB 32 will generate new jobs in a "green technology" indus- try. The California Cham- ber of Commerce has not endorsed the initiative. But other business groups, including the Cal- ifornia Manufacturers and Technology Association, have pledged support. Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Tax- payers Association and chairman of the AB 32 initiative, predicted the broader business commu- nity will pledge money once the proposal quali- fies for the ballot. Schwarzenegger last month wrote a letter to the California Air Resources Board urging the panel to slow down its cap-and- trade system. ARB is con- sidering an initial auction of emissions credits. Schwarzenegger suggest- ed that ARB should instead offer credits for free at the outset. The letter was widely seen as Schwarzenegger's signal to businesses that he is willing to engage on their behalf — and that firms shouldn't back a suspen The governor clearly sees defending AB 32 as a personal priority. On redistricting, he can rely more on Charles T. Munger Jr. A wealthy Stanford physicist, Munger gave $1.25 million toward Proposition 11, the 2008 initiative that created an independent panel to draw state legislative boundaries. He is backing a new initiative that would extend indepen- dent redistricting to con- gressional seats. In doing so, Munger apparently triggered a counter-initiative by con- gressional Democrats that would wipe out both Proposition 11 and the new ballot proposal. To ensure his measure wins, Munger will have to fight the redistricting repeal. HOME SERVICES DIRECTORY $7900 Runs Every Monday - Wednesday - Friday $8900 with a 3 month commitment Building Construction R. G. SIDES New Homes • MF Home Set-up • Raw Land Development • Power • Septic • Roads • Complete Building • Remodeling Additions • Carpentry • Electrical • Plumbing • Drywall • Tile • Doors • Windows • Roofing • Painting • Concrete Foundations • Overlays • Stamps • Sidewalks • Retaining Wall • Gutters Free Estimate Small Jobs Welcome Office # 530-528-8079 Lic.#639360 530-209-9999 first month service to first 20 callers. 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