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Politics : American Presidential Politics and foreign affairs -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: calgal who wrote (457)	2/17/2005 11:14:11 PM
From: calgal	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 71588

Schwarzenegger Plan Has Republicans Wary Some of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's fellow Republicans are promoting a plan that would let him run for president. He's promoting a plan that could cost some of them their jobs. As Schwarzenegger visited Capitol Hill on Thursday to meet with California lawmakers, his proposal to redraw congressional and state legislative districts was near the top of the agenda for some Republican House members. Story Continues Below When he arrived at the Capitol, Schwarzenegger told reporters that he hoped to accomplish "as much as we can, I can guarantee you that." Asked if he came with a wish list, Schwarzenegger said, "Oh yes, I have it in my pocket." The governor didn't escape home-state political battles. He was greeted by a full-page ad in the Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call taken out by the California Nurses Association, with whom he's been fighting over nurse staffing ratios. "As soon as he got to Sacramento, the governor put vital health policy up for sale," the ad said. Schwarzenegger began his day meeting with House Appropriations Committee Chairman Jerry Lewis, R-Calif. Schwarzenegger wants a panel of retired judges to redraw California's political map next year. That job is currently done by state lawmakers, and under the normal timeline wouldn't happen until after the 2010 census. Schwarzenegger argues his plan would result in a more democratic process and more competitive elections. It could also lead to more moderate politicians, like himself, who would be easier for him to work with in Sacramento. But some Republicans fear redrawing districts in Democrat-leaning California could cost the party seats in Congress. Even if the GOP managed to keep the 20 seats it now holds - Democrats have 33 - powerful lawmakers who lead in the Republican-controlled House could find themselves fighting for their jobs before unfamiliar voters. "There's a legitimate concern about keeping the majority in the House, and there's all kinds of debate as to who would gain seats in a midterm redistricting," said Rep. George Radanovich, R-Calif. "I think there are risks." Even Schwarzenegger's top Washington ally, House Rules Committee Chairman David Dreier, R-Calif., has told the governor he would prefer to wait until after the 2010 census. "I'm supportive of the governor's reform initiative. I understand his frustration," Dreier said. "But I told him my preference is to see the census taken before they move to the commission for redistricting." Some national party leaders are also wary. GOP Rep. Tom Reynolds of New York, who heads the House Republican campaign committee, said the party wouldn't have money to defend 53 Republican candidates next year and redistricting should be left to the state Legislature. Schwarzenegger's one-day trip to Washington was a chance to promote the plan, while also harnessing his celebrity to push for more federal dollars for California. On earlier Washington trips he's overshadowed even the most powerful lawmakers, and his jam-packed press conferences have rivaled presidential appearances. The Austrian native is increasingly viewed as a national leader for the GOP, and some House Republicans are supporting amending the Constitution to allow foreign-born citizens to run for president. Some of those same lawmakers have concerns about redistricting, but Schwarzenegger dismisses them. "It's one of those things that both parties don't like, but you know something, I was not sent to Sacramento to go and represent both parties. I was sent to Sacramento to represent the people," he said. "We want to have the district lines drawn in such a way that it is fair competition." Schwarzenegger has endorsed a constitutional amendment introduced in the state Assembly calling for a remap, and has promised to collect voter signatures for a ballot initiative if the Legislature doesn't act by next month. newsmax.com