Arnold Schwarzenegger Watch: RAISE Taxes Arnold – Lou Cannon

Lou Cannon in the Los Angeles Times and Dog Trainer has What does Arnold do now?

AFTER HIS VICTORY in the 2003 recall election, Arnold Schwarzenegger was often compared to Ronald Reagan, the movie actor turned governor who parlayed his showmanship into the presidency of the United States. But after two disappointing years in Sacramento and the decisive rejection Tuesday of his package of ballot initiatives, Gov. Schwarzenegger’s reign resembles the political career of another celebrity outsider, Jesse Ventura of Minnesota.

All of these celebrities campaigned as populists against career politicians, and they disdained the Legislature. All took office burdened by inherited budget deficits. But Reagan in his first year as governor in 1967 surprised friends and foes alike by agreeing to what was then the largest tax increase ever enacted by any state, and a progressive tax at that. (Its price tag of $1 billion would be more than $5 billion in today’s dollars.)

Lou, did you read the election returns? Orange County did not turn out for Schwarzenegger. What do you think a tax increase would do for his Republican base?

Lou, Schwarzenegger is NO Ronald Reagan.

Lou, the last time we met (in the 1980’s) you told me at the Los Angeles Biltmore that Mayor of San Diego Pete Wilson would not be elected dog-catcher (before he upset Jerry Brown for a United States Senate seat – 1982).

Lou, since when are you a fan of the Meathead, Rob Reiner, class warfare and socialist redistribution schemes for universal pre-school – not kindergarten as reported in the L.A. Dog Trainer.

Lou, despite your advice, Schwarzenegger is a dead duck in November 2006.

Has Arnold’s agent called yet?

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