LAT: Schwarzenegger Faces Revolt in GOP (some move to draft Mel Gibson)

[SLCPUNK]

Governor Faces Revolt in GOP
As anger rises over the choice of a Democrat as chief of staff, party leaders demand a talk.
By Robert Salladay, Times Staff Writer


SACRAMENTO ? With segments of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's political base rising in revolt, directors of the California Republican Party have demanded a private meeting with the governor to complain about the hiring of a Democratic operative as his chief of staff.

The request comes as Schwarzenegger faces sustained opposition from moderate and conservative Republicans over the choice of Susan P. Kennedy. Before serving as a state public utility commissioner, Kennedy was Cabinet secretary for Gov. Gray Davis. She also was an abortion-rights activist and former Democratic Party executive.

In appointing Kennedy last week, Schwarzenegger praised her as an effective administrator who could "implement my vision" and work cooperatively with Democrats who control the Legislature.

But Republican operatives said grass-roots volunteers were so disturbed by the appointment that they were threatening to abandon Schwarzenegger during his reelection bid next year. Others said Schwarzenegger was risking a nasty fight that could cause the party to rescind its endorsement of him during February's convention in San Jose.

There is even a movement to draft Mel Gibson, the actor and director, to run against Schwarzenegger in the Republican primary next year ? in part because the success of Gibson's movie, "The Passion of the Christ," could help his chances among religious conservatives. Raised in Australia, Gibson was born in New York and is a U.S. citizen, although he has not expressed an interest in elected politics....


http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-arnold7dec07,0,6041983.story?coll=la-home-local

[D]

Arnold has it right and every thing should be this way.

I think the President should be one party and the Vice the other party.

I hate any political party who are automatically against a person based solely on political affiliation.

It is reaching cult like status these days and almost like rival gangs.

Dems vs Republicans.

I hate it, why cant it be about ideas and not about party affiliations?

[Rob]

Yeah, I think its great that Arnold is trying to actually work with the other side.  People from both sides talk about how they need to work together with the other, and no one actually does it.  Finally someone does, and people are throwing a fuckin' fit.  Is it sad when the dude from Last Action Hero is seemingly the only person who gets it?

[Booker Floyd]

Yeah, I think its great that Arnold is trying to actually work with the other side.? People from both sides talk about how they need to work together with the other, and no one actually does it.? Finally someone does, and people are throwing a fuckin' fit.? Is it sad when the dude from Last Action Hero is seemingly the only person who gets it?

Come on, lets not be confused here.  Hes not doing this out of some principled desire to work with the other side...its an act of political desperation from a Republican in a blue state that 1. Was rejected in spectacular fashion last month. 2. Has a 63% disapproval rating and thus 3. Is in danger of losing in an election next year.  Hes attempting to gain ground with Democrats by dropping his dumb, insulting rhetoric, pretending to be humble, and working with Democratic politicians...much like Hillary Clinton is doing by sponsoring flag-burning legislation, refusing to budge on the war, and attacking video games.  Its my prediction that hell continue the pandering tomorrow by granting clemency to Stanley Williams.

I think CA Governor Mel Gibson is as likely as NJ Senator Bruce Springsteen. 

[Rob]

Good point, Booker.  Do you think there are any politicians on either side who are actually sincere when they try to work with the other side?  Bruce would probably never do it, but if he ran for any kind of office in Jersey he'd probably win.  His politics aside, he's one of the most beloved guys in the history of the state.  But anyway, back to the original point.  Even if its for more selfish reasons, I think some cooperation bewteen Democrats and Republicans is pretty refreshing.

[Charity Case]

Interesting last name.  Is she related to Arnold's wife?  First thing I thought of when I saw her name is that she is a relative if the wife and if so then that's pathetic in its own right.

As for the working together thing, I like D's idea of having the president be 1 party and the vp the other.  It would never work in this ocuntry, but it is a good idea. 

No way Arnold grants clemency to that murderer.  If he does, that's just fucking wrong.

[Booker Floyd]

Interesting last name.? Is she related to Arnold's wife?? First thing I thought of when I saw her name is that she is a relative if the wife and if so then that's pathetic in its own right.

No relation.

As for the working together thing, I like D's idea of having the president be 1 party and the vp the other.  It would never work in this ocuntry, but it is a good idea.

?

John Kerry was allegedly interested in pursuing the idea of a "Unity Ticket" with John McCain in 2004. 

No way Arnold grants clemency to that murderer.? If he does, that's just fucking wrong.

Im not as confident about his decision as I was a few days ago.  The backlash from Republicans might be so strong that hell allow the execution to maintain them and try to pander to Democrats in other ways.  Well see soon.

Bruce would probably never do it, but if he ran for any kind of office in Jersey he'd probably win.

Yeah...there was some speculation about that possibility during Corzines appointment consideration.  I wouldve been glad to see him, and I imagine hed win election next year very easily.  I wasnt thrilled with the Menendez pick...I would have much preferred Rush Holt.