Let the Wooing Begin

The top story on Rough&Tumble rarely needs to be highlighted. But today's story is interesting, not only because of its content, but the timing. It is from the LA Times, and the gist of the piece is that next year Schwarzenegger intends to take a more bipartisan, concilliatory stance. This year began with fireworks--the State of the State address--where Schwarzenegger took on many of the most powerful Democratic constituencies. But, according to the article, next year Schwarzenegger wants to work on issues like healthcare for children (this year he vetoed AB 772, saying that there was no dedicated funding source). But the timing of the story is interesting because appearing to want to be bipartisan next year is certainly helpful now, as he tries to get 50 percent plus one of each of his four propositions on November 8th. One of the most interesting parts of the story is about the governor's plans for pension reform, which he had to abandon this year, but vowed to return to in 2006. Early this year, the governor made an overhaul of the state pension system a signature issue, saying it has been plagued by spiraling costs. But an initiative written by his allies that would have reduced the state's contribution would also have cut off death benefits for police and firefighters, analysts and the state attorney general said. A public relations disaster ensued, and Schwarzenegger decided to delay his plan, hinting that he would bring it back for the June 2006 ballot. Now Schwarzenegger wants a new approach. He signed legislation that requires municipalities to report to the state next year on the stability of their pension funds. After the data is collected, Schwarzenegger will tackle the issue again, his aides said, either by calling a commission to find a solution or working through the Legislature. Pensions had looked to be a major issue next year, with the governor remaking the STRs boardin preparation for that fight. But the timing of the piece sounds like the administration wanted the news out now, with almost all the information was given on background (on-leave communications director Rob Stutzman is the only administration official quoted). It is a savvy move by Team Schwarzenegger to put the idea forward that the governor wants to reclaim the bipartisan, compromising mantle he lost earlier this year only weeks before a distinctly partisan election.