Schwarzenegger: Ends Consulting Deal with Muscle Magazines

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has just told the ASSociated Press that he will end his consulting deal with two fitness magazines that rely heavily on ads of dietary, fitness supplements.

More later as the story develops.

Update #1

The governor, who came under fire when critics said the deal represented a conflict of interest, said he will relinquish his title as executive editor of Muscle & Fitness and Flex magazines and forego any compensation.

“I don’t want to be paid,” Schwarzenegger said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press.

The governor was forced to defend his contract with the magazines after a securities disclosure filed this week showed he would be paid at least $1 million a year for five years to act as a consultant.

“The decision is to discontinue the relationship we have now,” he said. “I will continue promoting body building and fighting obesity.”

There was only a slight appearance of a conflict. Is the Governor getting SQUISHY?

On Friday, Schwarzenegger said he wanted to leave no doubt that “the people have my full devotion.”

Schwarzenegger’s deal with a subsidiary of American Media Inc., Weider Publications, was disclosed in March 2004. But the amount he was being paid was not made public until the company filed documents Wednesday with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

At the time of the 2004 announcement, Schwarzenegger said he would take a salary that was “petty compared to the movies.” The magazines also agreed to donate $250,000 a year to the California Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness.

The Governor looks weak and culpable.

Flap worries that Schwarzenegger is morphing into a FORMER Minnesota Governor.

Is McClintock or Chris Cox warming up?

Mayor Sam feels likewise in Schwarzenegger Wimps Out.

Technorati Tags Schwarzenegger, California