Gov. Schwarzenegger told The Fresno Bee's editorial board today that he won't endorse in the governor's race because it could add another political dimension to the work he is trying to accomplish for the state. But asked if he might make a late endorsement in the campaign between Republican Meg Whitman and Democrat Jerry Brown, Schwarzenegger says he won't rule that out, adding that he has a tendency to "improvise."
The session at The Bee lasted more than 90 minutes (it was scheduled for 60 minutes) and Schwarzenegger was in a very talkative mood. He spent most of the time railing against the Democrats for not passing a balanced budget and said they take their marching orders from the public employee unions.
While the Democratic-dominated Legislature has failed to act, he said, the budget problem worsens to the tune of $52.5 million per day since the new fiscal year began July 1. That has already wasted about $3 billion, according to the governor.
"Inaction is costly," Schwarzenegger said. "No decision is worse than trying to do something."
Schwarzenegger also said that his administration has been hampered by terrible pension decisions made by the Gray Davis administration. Davis and the Legislature put public pensions on an ascent that is now forcing other programs to be gutted, Schwarzenegger said.
"I'm suffering from the previous administration."
On immigration reform, he said the border must be secured before other immigration measures should be considered by the president and Congress. He also said illegal immigrants are coming into the state offshore from ships and that is making the issue more dangerous for California. No one in the federal government seems to be aware of the growing illegal immigration coming from offshore, he said.
The problem is so bad that drugs, weapons and people are coming ashore unimpeded -- even through Camp Pendleton near San Diego. He said he doesn't understand why the federal government is so unwilling to take significant measures to secure the border.
Schwarzenegger said he toured the border with a Border Patrol agent and they had a candid conversation about the lack of resources to strengthen the border. The agents on the ground know they aren't being given the resources to solve the problem, he said.
Arnold told Cruz during the special election that, whereas "he signed checks on the front side, Cruz only knew how to sign them on the back side." Noting his refusal to endorse Whitman, a capitalist, perhaps neither he nor Cruz signed them on the front side!
When is this incompetent jerk going to leave. He's the only person in the world who could make the cadaver jerry brown look good.
You have sat too long for any good you have been doing lately ... Depart, I say; and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go!
Arnold won't endorse anyone in the gubernatorial race??? I bet the candidates are relieved.
Say what you will about Arnold the Governor, but I was just watching "Commando." By himself, he invaded an island and killed or maimed hundreds of enemy soldiers without sustaining even a flesh wound (until the epic man-on-man battle at the end with the villain, Bennett). I wish he were as heroic as Governor.
Of course he will not endorse anyone for governor. AHHHNOLD has never made a decision in the eight years he has been in office Besides Maria said he could not..
AHHHNOLD only talks. AHHNOLD you are now "EXPENDABLE"...
"I am suffering from the previous administration." So is and has everyone else since anyone has ever taken any type of office. When will politicians learn that their worth is determined by how well they have handled themselves since they took office? These disclaimers fall on deaf ears.
I agree its best for the candidates to not have his endorsement.