-

November 18, 2003

Lead, follow or get out of the way

That's the advice Ronald Reagan had for Democrats when he came into office, and that's the platform Arnold ran on. Former Governor Davis couldn't lead -- or get out of the way -- and that's why he's the former Governor. Arnold promised results. Today the Democrats in the legislature served notice that they intend to stand in the way and do noting. As the California Insider reports

[Senate President Pro Tem John] Burton said he would oppose repeal of SB 60 [the illegal alien ID card bill] and would not look favorably on any proposal to borrow more money without a tax increase dedicated to repay it [now he gets religion -ed]. He also said he doubted the Legislature would approve Schwarzenegger’s request to give local government $3.2 billion to make up for the money they will lose because of his reduction in the car tax.
So, if this threat holds up, Arnold will have to go to Plan B -- initiative and referendum.

The illegal alien ID card bill is already the subject of one petition drive. Taking redistricting out of the hands of the politicians is the subject of another -- info here[PDF], here and here. Now, the financial restructuring and spending cap will have to be done by petition. Which is fine, as I'd prefer John Campbell's proposed strict spending cap over anything Burton, et al, might "add."

This will make the Democrats in the legislature look stupid and irrelevent. As they are. Those safe seats might not be as safe as they think if Arnold is seen as the solution and the legislature insists in being the problem.

Posted by Kevin Murphy at November 18, 2003 07:31 PM | TrackBack