The media cycle

It looks like Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the legislative leaders are going to eke out every last ounce of free media attention they can get for the infrastructure bond package. Today, the governor appeared in the Bay Area (in or near Sen. Perata's district) to tout the transportation bond, authored by Mr. Perata. And then the governor officially signed the transportation bond late this morning. Press releases ensued. From the governor: “This great bond is what can happen when Democrats and Republicans work together,” said Gov. Schwarzenegger in Orinda. “California will be a better place to live because of the work we did in Sacramento, and Sen. Perata, legislative leaders and the entire legislature deserve credit for this momentous accomplishment.” From Nunez: “Today we make good on our commitment to the people of California to give them the opportunity to invest in a faster commute, better access to public transit and safer roads. This $20 billion transportation bond is the result of a tremendous bipartisan effort that we should all be proud of. Democrats and Republicans in the legislature rolled up their sleeves and did the hard work Californians expect of them.” My guess is more releases are to follow, as well as an event at a levee, announcing the levee bond, an event at the school announcing the education bond, and a housing event to announce the housing bond. Spread out one-a-day, of course, and in different parts of the state to maximize coverage.