Political hypocrisy

Earlier today Phil Angelides held an event at the California State Railroad Museum where he denounced Gov. Schwarzenegger pledge during the recall campaign to clean up politics in Sacramento. “Three years ago Arnold Schwarzenegger stood here, at the State Railroad Museum and, invoking the name of Hiram Johnson, the reformer who broke the railroad stranglehold on California, promised to bring sweeping political reform to Sacramento,” said Angelides in a release. “But even after last year’s $50 million special election debacle, Governor Schwarzenegger continues to break that promise. As Governor, I will clean up state government and make it work for California’s hard-working families.” The Schwarzenegger campaign quickly fired off an e-mail titled "Political Reform Hypocrisy". As per usual, spokesman Matt David is quoted at the top saying, "Phil Angelides will say anything to anyone at any time if he believes it will benefit him politically. The hypocrisy of Angelides proposing political reform shows that his flailing campaign will resort to anything to get attention." But later in the e-mail they detail some of the hypocrisy. They even have a Web page devoted to it: DOUBLE-DIPPING" HYPOCRISY: Phil Angelides Paid Thousands In Political Consulting Fees To His Staff At Treasurer's Office While They Were Employed By State. · Cathy Calfo "Double-Dipping": Angelides Paid His Current Campaign Manager Cathy Calfo For Political Campaign Work While She Was Serving As Chief Deputy Treasurer In 2001. · Mike Roth "Double-Dipping": Angelides Paid Mike Roth – Communications Director In Angelides' State Treasurer's Office – For Political Consulting While He Was Employed By State. · Nick Papas "Double-Dipping": Angelides Paid Nick Papas – Press Secretary In Angelides' State Treasurer's Office – For Campaign Consulting While He Was Employed By State. Wait one second. Hasn't Schwarzenegger paid his top state staffer, chief of staff Susan Kennedy, with campaign funds. Yes, he paid her $25,000 last December. And in April and June this year, the Schwarzenegger campaign made six payments of $7,500 each to Kennedy, totalling $45,000. She has also been reimbursed some $3,000 for food and office expenses. Last year, Schwarzenegger also paid his chief of staff, Pat Clarey, with campaign funds as well as Rob Stutzman, his stateside communications director. Hypocrisy is a strong word. The campaigns should use it carefully.