Arnold Doesn't Like Dirty Trick Initiative

The fate of the presidential election could rest on the outcome of a California ballot measure, pushed by Arnold's former lawyers and he isn't a big fan. The Republicans want to change how California's electoral votes are doled out via a ballot initiative. CA like just about every single state in the nation has a winner take all system. The Republicans want to allocate based on who wins individual Congressional district. Republicans currently hold 19 House seats and Bush won a majority in 22 districts in 2004. Those 20 or so electoral votes could change the entire election. The opinion of the governor, a Republican himself and admittedly a popular political figure is a big deal and it does not sound like he is all that thrilled with the concept. Hotline:

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday expressed distaste for a Republican-friendly ballot initiative created by two of his former advisers who want to alter the state's electoral voting process.

"In principle, I don't like to change the rules in the middle of the game," Schwarzenegger said about "The Presidential Election Reform Act."

The metaphor is apt. The measure would go on the June ballot, to determine what would happen in November. It is not part of a larger movement to switch the national electoral college. The intent is clear, it is a dirty trick to try and steal the presidential election at a time when the Republicans are weak. It is a power grab and one that should not be tolerated.

To be clear, Arnold did not say that he will be opposing the initiative, giving the canard that he hadn't read it yet as an excuse. Perhaps we should drop off a few copies for him to read, just in case he doesn't have one of his own. He will be pressured by his own party to support it, but it does go against the lessons he learned in 2005. Going it alone on a partisan adventure does not lead to good goverance. Comprehensive solutions are needed, not partisan power grabs.