Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

The ASSociated Press has Voters Reject Schwarzenegger Initiatives.

In a stinging rebuke from voters who elected him two years ago, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's efforts to reshape state government were rejected during a special election that darkened his prospects for a second term.

The Republican governor and former Hollywood actor, who likes to say he can sell anything, on Tuesday saw all four of his signature ballot proposals rejected.

The election pitted the once-dominant Republican governor against two of California's powerhouse political forces — public employee unions and Democrats who control the Legislature.

The unions spent millions of dollars to beat Schwarzenegger's propositions to limit the use of their member dues for political purposes, cap state spending, redraw legislative districts and restrict public school teacher tenure.

It was a sobering evening for a man once considered among the most popular politicians in America. The contest represented the biggest test yet of a faltering Schwarzenegger's leadership.

Voters overwhelmingly defeated Proposition 76, the governor's centerpiece proposal to slow the growth of state spending. Proposition 77, which would have redrawn legislative and congressional districts, was knocked down by a similar margin.

Failing by slimmer spreads were Proposition 74, a plan to make teachers work longer to achieve tenure, and Proposition 73, which would have restricted political spending by public employee unions.

Poll after poll showed it was an election that Californians didn't want, with a total lineup of eight initiatives that didn't connect with every day issues such as gas prices, housing costs and the war in
Iraq.

Schwarzenegger's conflict with the unions made him a target for teachers, nurses and firefighters. Their television advertising blitz helped push his popularity ratings to record lows.

Union leaders and Democrats who opposed the governor chanted "sweep, sweep" at their Sacramento victory party. "I'm very grateful to Arnold Schwarzenegger for really working people up," said Deborah Burger, president of the California Nurses Association.

Well, the voters of California have spoken loud and clear.

STATUS QUO!

There will be many analyses of the special election campaign. And Flap will write and comment on them over the weeks ahead.

But, for sure the unmistaken message from California was the COMPLETE rejection of Schwarzenegger's reform agenda.

Others may spin this defeat for the Governator and the California Recovery Team, but Schwarzenegger was BEATEN and TERMINATED.

If Flap was Arnold, after a nice relaxing trade mission to China, I would start entertaining movie deals.

More later.......

Technorati Tags: Arnold Schwarzenegger, California Recovery Team, California Special Election, Bear Flag League, Proposition 74, Proposition 75, Proposition 76, Proposition 77, Proposition 73, Proposition 78, Proposition 79, Proposition 80

Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

California Special Election Results with 99.5% of the precincts resporting:

State Ballot Measures
99.5% ( 17577 of 17657 ) precincts reporting as of Nov 9, 2005 at 3:57 am

Statewide Returns	County Returns | County Status

Propositions Yes Votes Pct. No Votes Pct.

73 N Minor's Pregnancy 3,117,521 47.5 3,445,617 52.5 Map

74 N Teacher Tenure 2,975,578 44.9 3,641,434 55.1 Map

75 N Public Union Dues 3,081,355 46.6 3,529,245 53.4 Map

76 N Spending/Funding 2,512,920 38.0 4,091,907 62.0 Map

77 N Redistricting 2,663,629 40.5 3,897,648 59.5 Map

78 N Rx Drug Discounts 2,706,996 41.5 3,802,493 58.5 Map

79 N Rx Drug Rebates 2,510,499 38.9 3,932,332 61.1 Map

80 N Electric Regulation 2,177,432 34.3 4,162,788 65.7 Map

Stay Tuned for analysis........

And the beginning of California Election 2006.........

Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

From the Official Voter Information Guide:

PROPOSITION 73

WAITING PERIOD AND PARENTAL NOTIFICATION BEFORE TERMINATION OF MINOR'S PREGNANCY. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

SUMMARY

Amends California Constitution, defining and prohibiting abortion for unemancipated minor until 48 hours after physician notifies minor’s parent/guardian, except in medical emergency or with parental waiver. Mandates reporting requirements. Authorizes monetary damages against physicians for violation. Fiscal Impact: Potential unknown net state costs of several million dollars annually for health and social services programs, the courts, and state administration combined.

FLAP RECOMMENDS A YES VOTE

PROPOSITION 74

PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS. WAITING PERIOD FOR PERMANENT STATUS. DISMISSAL. INITIATIVE STATUTE.

SUMMARY

Increases probationary period for public school teachers from two to five years. Modifies the process by which school boards can dismiss a teaching employee who receives two consecutive unsatisfactory performance evaluations. Fiscal Impact: Unknown net effect on school districts' costs for teacher compensation, performance evaluations, and other activities. Impact would vary significantly by district and depend largely on future district personnel actions.

FLAP RECOMMENDS A YES VOTE

PROPOSITION 75

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE UNION DUES. RESTRICTIONS ON POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS. EMPLOYEE CONSENT REQUIREMENT. INITIATIVE STATUTE.

SUMMARY

Prohibits using public employee union dues for political contributions without individual employees’ prior consent. Excludes contributions benefitting charities or employees. Requires unions to maintain and, upon request, report member political contributions to Fair Political Practices Commission. Fiscal Impact: Probably minor state and local government implementation costs, potentially offset in part by revenues from fines and/or fees.

FLAP RECOMMENDS A YES VOTE

PROPOSITION 76

STATE SPENDING AND SCHOOL FUNDING LIMITS. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

SUMMARY

Limits state spending to prior year’s level plus three previous years’ average revenue growth. Changes minimum school funding requirements (Proposition 98). Permits Governor, under specified circumstances, to reduce budget appropriations of Governor’s choosing. Fiscal Impact: State spending likely reduced relative to current law, due to additional spending limit and new powers granted to Governor. Reductions could apply to schools and shift costs to other local governments.

FLAP RECOMMENDS A YES VOTE

PROPOSITION 77

REDISTRICTING. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

SUMMARY

Amends state Constitution’s process for redistricting California’s Senate, Assembly, Congressional and Board of Equalization districts. Requires three-member panel of retired judges selected by legislative leaders. Fiscal Impact: One-time state redistricting costs totaling no more than $1.5 million and county costs in the range of $1 million. Potential reduction in future costs, but net impact would depend on decisions by voters.

FLAP RECOMMENDS A YES VOTE

PROPOSITION 78

DISCOUNTS ON PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. INITIATIVE STATUTE.

SUMMARY

Establishes discount prescription drug program for certain low- and moderate-income Californians. Authorizes Department of Health Services to contract with participating pharmacies for discounts and with participating drug manufacturers for rebates. Fiscal Impact: State costs for administration and outreach in the millions to low tens of millions of dollars annually. State costs for advance funding for rebates. Unknown potentially significant savings for state and county health programs.

FLAP RECOMMENDS A NO VOTE

PROPOSITION 79

PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISCOUNTS. STATE-NEGOTIATED REBATES. INITIATIVE STATUTE.

SUMMARY

Provides drug discounts to Californians with qualifying incomes. Funded by state-negotiated drug manufacturer rebates. Prohibits Medi-Cal contracts with manufacturers not providing Medicaid best price. Fiscal Impact: State costs for administration and outreach in low tens of millions of dollars annually. State costs for advance funding for rebates. Unknown potentially significant: (1) net costs or savings for Medi-Cal and (2) savings for state and county health programs.

FLAP RECOMMENDS A NO VOTE

PROPOSITION 80

ELECTRIC SERVICE PROVIDERS. REGULATION. INITIATIVE STATUTE.

SUMMARY

Subjects electric service providers to regulation by California Public Utilities Commission. Restricts electricity customers’ ability to switch from private utilities to other providers. Requires all retail electric sellers to increase renewable energy resource procurement by 2010. Fiscal Impact: Potential annual administrative costs ranging from negligible to $4 million, paid by fees. Unknown net impact on state and local costs and revenues from uncertain impact on electricity rates.

FLAP RECOMMENDS A NO VOTE

Well, there you have it!

Now, go and vote.

Flap knows you will be glad you did.

For more Voter guides head over to XRLQ's place.

Once again, here are links to the blogger election guides of which I’ve been made aware:

1. Stephen Bainbridge (update here)
2. BoiFromTroi (73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 80)
3. Tammy Bruce
4. California Conservative (see also)
5. Cobb
6. Matthew Hoy
7. K.G. at California Mafia
8. Lonewacko
9. Hugo Schwyzer
10. Citizen Smash
11. Michael Williams
12. Yami Monkey
13. Xrlq

BFL Special Election blog

Technorati Tags: Arnold Schwarzenegger, California Recovery Team, California Special Election, Bear Flag League, Proposition 74, Proposition 75, Proposition 76, Proposition 77, Proposition 73, Proposition 78, Proposition 79, Proposition 80

Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

Reuters has Schwarzenegger in final burst in uphill campaign

A day before a special election that could influence his re-election chances, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger campaigned across California on Monday for four ballot initiatives lagging in recent polls.

"It's a much bigger battle than I thought it would be," Schwarzenegger told reporters at a restaurant about 35 miles

from San Francisco where he greeted invited supporters. "It's a tremendous fight."

The former actor, who faces re-election in 2006, backs initiatives lengthening the amount of time it takes public school teachers to get tenure, boosting the governor's powers over the budget, limiting union dues and changing the way the state draws its legislative districts.

"Tomorrow is the time, it's judgment day," said Schwarzenegger, who starred in the "Terminator" movies.

Judgment Day it is!

California Voters PLEASE VOTE.

Polls are open 7AM - 8PM.

Technorati Tags: Arnold Schwarzenegger, California Recovery Team, California Special Election, Bear Flag League, Proposition 74, Proposition 75, Proposition 76, Proposition 77

Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

Previously on Flap California Special Election Watch: Mobilize.org - “What Are YOUR Boundaries?” RV Tour in support of Proposition 77 Continues

Dave from Mobilize.org writes this open letter to the voters of California:

Technorati Tags: Arnold Schwarzenegger, California Recovery Team, California Special Election, Bear Flag League, Proposition 77

Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

Polimetrix has Schwarzenegger Propositions Still Trailing

The four ballot initiatives supported by Governor Schwarzenegger are still struggling. In the final Polimetrix survey of California voters, none of the Governor's Propositions had a clear lead. A week earlier, Polimetrix found only one of the Governor's Propositions (Proposition 75 which would restrict the use of union dues for political contributions) ahead, but the lead for Proposition 75 was reduced to a statistically insignificant one percent in the latest poll.

Proposition 75 the "Mother's Milk" Initiative (Paycheck Protection) continues to be within striking distance in all late polls. The Real Clear Politics Poll summary is here.

Will the Governor be able to win one? Or has he already won the election?

Stay tuned........

Technorati Tags: Arnold Schwarzenegger, California Special Election, Proposition 75

Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

The ASSociated Press has Schwarzenegger Makes Last Pitch to Voters

Nearing the end of a bitterly fought campaign, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Sunday accused his rivals of trying to frighten voters by depicting him as "a dictator" while distorting the intent of his slate of ballot proposals.

"Don't buy into those scare tactics," the Republican governor said in a televised forum, referring to millions of dollars of union-funded TV ads critical of his four initiatives. "They want to scare you. They don't want you to make changes."

But Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez — speaking separately at the hourlong KTTV-TV forum — said Schwarzenegger wanted to use Tuesday's special election to push through laws that would hurt California workers.

Schwarzenegger wants power "without checks and balances," Nunez, a Democrat, said. "I think that's too much power."

The appearance on Fox TV's Los Angeles affiliate — the final television forum of the campaign — provided voters with ample evidence of the sharp differences that have marked the campaign.

Nunez said the governor was determined to become "a king" who would crush all dissent in Sacramento.

But Schwarzenegger said Nunez and his labor allies want to protect a statehouse where politicians and union bosses are rewarded at the public's expense.

"I don't want more power," the governor said. "I don't need more power."

Flap cannot help but think that Campaign 2006 will be a continuation of "CONFRONTATIONAL POLITICS".

Will the RIGHT unite behind demonstrations against Angelides or Westly?

Will the LEFT have any money remaining for extensive television campaigns?

Stay tuned...... California Special Election Tomorrow........

Technorati Tags: Arnold Schwarzenegger, California Recovery Team, California Special Election, Bear Flag League, Proposition 74, Proposition 75, Proposition 76, Proposition 77

Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

The Carnival of Arnold is up.

Our goal and stated purpose for the “Carnival of Arnold” is to highlight the work of other bloggers as pertaining to the topic of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and, exclusively for this edition, next Tuesday’s election.

We’ve got some great entries to share, and we’re not going to be fancy in presenting them. They speak for themselves.

Some Sample posts:

Proposition 77: Vote Yes by Eric’s Grumbles Before The Grave Excerpt: A history of the deal that lead to the 2000 Gerrymander of California’s political districts and an overview of Prop. 77.

Special Election Voter Guide by Damnum Absque Injuria Excerpt: The following are my recommendations for the California special election on November 8, 2005.

True Face of Democratic Party: Union Thugs Attack Woman at Anti-Arnold Rally by Chris Kelly’s Lone Wacko Blog Excerpt: The sole Arnold supporter at a union rally in Los Angeles was beaten with signs and a security guard even ripped up her signs. Complete with video of the assault. Also has links to background info on California politics and the far-left politicians who oppose Arnold’s attempts at reform.

[Related coverage: Union Mob Strongarms A Single Schwarzenegger Supporter]

Support Arnold: VIDEO by MisterPolitics

The Gay Case for Reform by Log Cabin Republicans Excerpt: Log Cabin California Director Jeff Bissiri writes in this month’s IN Los Angeles Magazine about why gays and lesbiabns should consider voting for reform on Tuesday, November 8.

California Special Election: Props. 73-77 by BoiFromTroy Excerpt: On November 8, Californians will be asked to vote on eight ballot measures in a Special Election. I will be discussing each of these measures between now and the election. While you can probably guess how I intend to vote, the goal is to explain why and perhaps, along the way, change some hearts and minds…or at least have a spirited debate.

Earth to California! Come In, California! by Right Wing Nation Excerpt: The disconnect between Californistan and America (and that’s even including those dens of leftism, Oregon, New York and Massachussetts) defies explanation. We in the United States are continually amazed at the antics Californistanis come up with; they apparently live in a different galaxy.

CA Sp. Election: Ballot Initiative Info by MCCANNTA Excerpt: The main issues on the ballot are 8 propositions that have been hotly contested for the last 2 months. The airwaves (and cable TV bandwidth) has been inundated with commercials trying to scare the hell out of voters, confuse them and dull them. Ignore anything you have heard on television about these initiatives.

Int’l Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Says Yes on 75 by The Irish Lass Excerpt: You may not know it, but I’m a member of the IBEW. I’ve served as a steward and attend all the union meetings. And my Chief Steward appreciates my assistance. I support the union’s efforts to create good working conditions and salary for it’s members. But I’m voting Yes on 75.

Schwarzenegger Set Up By Dems At Sp. Election Forum by SoCalPundit Excerpt: This was more like a purposefully set up massacre. NBC4 even admitted that the fast majority of attendees were Democrats. And boy did it show!

How I voted in the CA Special Election by Foo Bar and Grill Excerpt: I voted today and sent in my absentee ballot. Here’s my take on things…

Bulworth & Bening Try Crash The Guv’s Bus Tour by FullosseousFlap Excerpt: Actor Warren Beatty speaks to reporters after being told he couldn’t enter a rally where California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was holding a rally to promote propositions 74, 75, 76, and 77 at Montgomery Field in San Diego Saturday, Nov. 5, 2005. Beatty opposes the propostions.

Heh!

Technorati Tags: Arnold Schwarzenegger, California Recovery Team, California Special Election, Bear Flag League, Proposition 74, Proposition 75, Proposition 76, Proposition 77

Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

The Governor’s “Road to Reform” Bus Tour will continue this SUNDAY, November 6th.

The Governor’s Bus is coming to a city near you.

Check it out.

Flap knows you will be glad you did.

The Schedule:

Dont Miss The Bus!!

Sunday, November 6

Oakdale Rocha’s Valley Enterprises, LLC 1198 Warnerville Road Oakdale, CA 95361 Doors open at 10:45 a.m. Bakersfield Bakersfield High School 1241 G Street Bakersfield, CA 93301 Doors open at 1:00 p.m.

From Irwindale late yesterday afternoon:

The Governator and California State Senator, Lt. Governor Candidate, Tom McClintock

You folks may even get to see some UNION STOOGES.

Actor Warren Beatty (R) jokingly chokes California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's campaign spokesperson Todd Harris (L) after Beatty and his wife Annette Bening (C) were denied access to Schwarzenegger's campaign event during a stop at Montgomery Field airport in San Diego November 5, 2005.

Technorati Tags: Arnold Schwarzenegger, California Recovery Team, California Special Election, Bear Flag League, Proposition 74, Proposition 75, Proposition 76, Proposition 77

Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

The ASSociated Press has Beatty Tries to Crash Schwarzenegger Rally

The state's special election verged on a celebrity showdown Saturday when Warren Beatty and his wife Annette Bening attempted to crash a campaign appearance by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Hollywood couple strode side by side to the entrance of a cavernous airport hangar where the governor was about to address several hundred supporters. But they were blocked by a Schwarzenegger campaign aide, Darrel Ng, who told the "Bulworth" star he was not on the guest list and didn't have the appropriate wristband to get inside.

"You have to have a wristband to listen to the governor?" Bening asked. "He represents all of us, right?"

These folks are just RUDE.

And Benning you are a smart-ass BITCH who showed NO CLASS last week when you refused to acknowledge Maria Shriver, the Governor's wife, at a luncheon with whom you have socialized on numerous occasions.

You and Bulworth need CLASS lessons.

Beatty's appearance caused momentary confusion at the rally. Just before the governor took the stage, the hangar door was closed - literally in the face of Beatty and Bening. It was later reopened as Schwarzenegger began to speak

Inside, Schwarzenegger told cheering supporters that his slate of four ballot proposals would "reform the broken system" in Sacramento.

In a later interview, he alluded to Beatty only indirectly.

"There's the main event, then there is the sideshow," the governor said. "I don't care about the sideshow."

Beatty drew the ire of some of the governor's supporters who called him a Hollywood liberal and a has-been actor.

"It's time for some people to retire," said former San Diego Mayor Roger Hedgecock, who hosts a popular radio talk show. "I'm trying to be gentle about it but it's clear that Warren is over the hill and desperately looking for sIomething else to do."

So, like Steve Frank dressed in the "chicken suit" doggedly harassing Democrat Governor Gray Davis in the recall election are Warren Beatty and his classless wife the "two UNION stooges" following Schwarzenegger?

Beatty, 68, planned to shadow Schwarzenegger throughout the day as the governor worked his way north to Los Angeles. Beatty urged people to vote against the Nov. 8 ballot measures supported by Schwarzenegger.

In Anaheim, Beatty told about 100 supporters outside a building where Schwarzenegger was speaking that he believed the issues on the ballot could have been resolved by the Legislature, but the governor forced them into a special election because he knew there would be low voter turnout and a higher chance of success.

"To my knowledge, I have not heard him debate a human, living person," Beatty said.

He did not attempt to enter where Schwarzenegger was speaking.

Flap supposes Beatty has not been watching the last few "live" townhall meetings where the Governator has engaged concerned California voters and political activists.

Or is he so feeble minded....... he has simply forgotten?

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger talk with the media on his campaign bus tour of southern California Saturday, Nov. 5, 2005. The two were on their way to a campaign stop in Riverside, Calif. promoting the special election.

Beatty also told supporters, "My experience in politics goes way, way back, much further back than Arnold's. I don't drop the issues simply because I know someone socially.

And how do you spell NO CLASS?

Warren Beatty and Annette Bening = NO CLASS

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ralleys supporters in front of his campaign bus in San Diego.

Technorati Tags: Arnold Schwarzenegger, California Recovery Team, California Special Election, Bear Flag League, Proposition 74, Proposition 75, Proposition 76, Proposition 77

Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

Previously on Flap, California Special Election Watch: Mobilize.Org YES on Proposition 77 at USC.

The Mobilize.org What Are YOUR Boundaries? RV Tour will conclude with a rally in support of Proposition 77 – the Voter Empowerment Act – at UC Berkeley’s Upper Sproul free speech zone on Monday, Nov. 7.

A barrage of guests will speak on the importance of Prop 77 including Bill Mundell (chairman of Californians for Fair Redistricting) and Chellie Pingree (president of Common Cause). Berkeley alumnus Michael Marston, the president of the Center of Individual and Institutional Renewal, will alsospeak.

The rally will be held at noon on the Mario Savio steps, the historic birthplace of the Free Speech Movement.

At USC:

USC Students wearing YES on 77 Rally Buttons

Maya answering a question on Proposition 77

A video from the USC rally .

The What Are Your Boundaries blog

The What Are Your Boundaries Website, Draw the Line on November 8th, Vote Yes! on Prop 77

The RV tour, the only grassroots campaign exclusively devoted to the youth vote, has made stops in the Bay area, the central coast, Los Angeles and Orange County to raise awareness for Prop 77.

The tour kicked off at the capitol building on Oct. 24 with Asm. Joseph Canciamilla (D-11) endorsing Prop 77.

The tour made stops at Sacramento State, San Francisco State, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, San Jose State, Stanford University, Cal. Poly. San Luis Obispo, USC, UCLA, Long Beach State, Claremont McKenna, and Fresno State.

Technorati Tags: Arnold Schwarzenegger, California Recovery Team, California Special Election, Bear Flag League, Proposition 77

Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

The Governor’s “Road to Reform” Bus Tour will be THIS SATURDAY, November 5th and SUNDAY, November 6th.

The Governor's Bus is coming to a city near you.

Check it out.

Flap knows you will be glad you did.

The Schedule:

Saturday:

San Diego County

Montgomery Field Hangar 3750 John J. Montgomery Drive San Diego, CA 92123 (Kearny Mesa Area) Doors Open at 10:30 AM !!!

Orange County

Pacific Transformer, Inc. 5399 E. Hunter Avenue Anaheim, CA 92807 Doors Open at 12:45 PM !!!

Inland Empire

Fleetwood RV 3125 Myers Street Riverside, CA 92503 Doors Open at 2:00 PM !!!

Los Angeles County

16016 Montoya Street Irwindale CA, 91702 Doors Open at 4:00 PM !!!

Sunday:

Oakdale

Rocha’s Valley Enterprises, LLC 1198 Warnerville Road Oakdale, CA 95361 Doors open at 10:45 a.m.

Bakersfield

Bakersfield High School 1241 G Street Bakersfield, CA 93301 Doors open at 1:00 p.m.

Technorati Tags: Arnold Schwarzenegger, California Recovery Team, California Special Election, Bear Flag League, Proposition 74, Proposition 75, Proposition 76, Proposition 77

Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

The ASSociated Press and San Frnacisco Chronicle has LA TV station apologizes to Schwarzenegger after audience mix-up.

KNBC-TV apologized to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's campaign Friday after the station found that the audience it organized for a voter forum this week apparently included several Democratic activists.

The Republican governor was peppered with questions with a partisan slant at the televised event Thursday, and at one point a man in the audience tried to shout him down.

The Ventura County Star reported Friday that questioners at the forum included Larry Miller, a member of the Ventura County Democratic Central Committee; Chris Robson, a member of the state Democratic Party central committee; and Mary Pallant of Oak Park, a Democratic congressional candidate in the 24th District.

The newspaper identified Miller as the audience member who yelled at Schwarzenegger, "You're wrong."

The studio audience of about 75 people was selected by a research company, which was directed to assemble a balanced group of voters from the Los Angeles area, news director Robert Long said.

But the station was unaware that several of those picked were actively involved in local Democratic politics, and that was never made clear in the broadcast.

Previously on Flap: California Special Election Watch: Ventura County Lefties Let Schwarzenegger Have IT.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger(R) gestures as he answers questions from an audience of voters regarding Propositions 74 through 77 of next week's Special Election from during an election forum at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, California.

The Ventura County Star has County activists grill the governor

Two Camarillo Democratic activists peppered Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday with the toughest questions he's faced during a special-election campaign in which the governor has mostly appeared before only hand-selected audiences.

During a televised town hall forum at the Skirball Cultural Center, however, Schwarzenegger faced hostile questions from a panel selected by a market research firm hired by KNBC. Among those chosen to ask questions were Larry Miller, a member of the Ventura County Democratic Central Committee; Chris Robson, a member of the state Democratic Party Central Committee representing the 37th Assembly District; and Mary Pallant of Oak Park, an announced candidate for the Democratic nomination in the 24th Congressional District.

Interesting how this market research firm hired a "representive" audience of left wing idealogues, union representatives and Democrat Party activists.

By all press accounts the Governor handled himself well and probably should have mixed it up with these folks weeks ago.

Alejandro Puesan of the station's research department said the selections were made randomly by the research firm charged with selecting questioners who represented the demographics of Southern California, by gender, age, race, ethnicity, county of residence and political affiliation.

Yeah right!

It was a set up by the LEFT, but what else do you expect?

Schwarzenegger was fine on the issues and will be fine on November 8th.

Miller, an elected trustee of the Ventura County Community College District, engaged in such a fierce exchange with Schwarzenegger that at one point, when the governor sought to complete his response, Miller blurted out, "No, I'm not going to let you finish because you're wrong."

Miller had challenged Schwarzenegger about Proposition 74, the initiative he's backing that would extend the probationary period for new teachers from two years to five. Schwarzenegger calls it a reform of "teacher tenure" designed to make it more difficult for teachers to obtain "a job for life."

"You're absolutely wrong about tenure," Miller said.

In an interview afterward, Miller noted that the word "tenure" does not exist in the state Education Code governing K-12 teachers. The law does say that after a two-year probationary period teachers become "permanent" employees who have full due-process rights, including that of a hearing to challenge a decision to fire them.

"The principals are the ones who aren't doing their jobs," Miller said during his exchange with the governor. "They've got the tools."

Flap also was an elected member of the Board of Trustees of the Ventura County Community College District and knows Larry Miller very well.

Larry is a retired Moorpark College Biology professor and a long time American Federation of Teachers negotiator and union leader. He often represented the union before the VCCCD Board of Trustees. He even walked precincts for Flap when Flap first ran for office.

Miller is a fierce advocate for his left-wing views and very outspoken.

But, he is wrong on Proposition 74 and the remainder of the Governor's reform agenda.

How he was chosen for this confrontation with the Governor is probably a story worth pursuing.

And the story has been pursued.

The company recruited the Ventura County voters from a list of "politically aware" citizens it had compiled, Long said. But survey forms submitted by prospective audience members gave no hint that some had partisan ties — because they weren't asked.

The forum was intended to give voters a chance to learn more about Schwarzenegger's slate of initiatives on the Nov. 8 ballot.

During the forum, the abundance of politically charged questions didn't appear to unsettle the governor.

Schwarzenegger "did exactly what he should have done, which was politely listen to their not-so-polite questions and set the record straight," said Todd Harris, a spokesman for the governor's campaign.

What a crock!

This was a set-up to make Governor Schwarzenegger look bad, the Governor handled it well and the MSM has been exposed as the corrupt, biased bunch that they are.

The California State Fair Political Practices Commission and the FCC should investigate this breach of fair play.

Technorati Tags: Arnold Schwarzenegger, California Recovery Team, California Special Election, Bear Flag League, Proposition 74, Proposition 75, Proposition 76, Proposition 77, Ventura County Community College District

Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

The Ventura County Star has County activists grill the governor

Two Camarillo Democratic activists peppered Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday with the toughest questions he's faced during a special-election campaign in which the governor has mostly appeared before only hand-selected audiences.

During a televised town hall forum at the Skirball Cultural Center, however, Schwarzenegger faced hostile questions from a panel selected by a market research firm hired by KNBC. Among those chosen to ask questions were Larry Miller, a member of the Ventura County Democratic Central Committee; Chris Robson, a member of the state Democratic Party Central Committee representing the 37th Assembly District; and Mary Pallant of Oak Park, an announced candidate for the Democratic nomination in the 24th Congressional District.

Interesting how this market research firm hired a "representive" audience of left wing idealogues, union representatives and Democrat Party activists.

By all press accounts the Governor handled himself well and probably should have mixed it up with these folks weeks ago.

Alejandro Puesan of the station's research department said the selections were made randomly by the research firm charged with selecting questioners who represented the demographics of Southern California, by gender, age, race, ethnicity, county of residence and political affiliation.

Yeah right!

It was a set up by the LEFT, but what else do you expect?

Schwarzenegger was fine on the issues and will be fine on November 8th.

Miller, an elected trustee of the Ventura County Community College District, engaged in such a fierce exchange with Schwarzenegger that at one point, when the governor sought to complete his response, Miller blurted out, "No, I'm not going to let you finish because you're wrong."

Miller had challenged Schwarzenegger about Proposition 74, the initiative he's backing that would extend the probationary period for new teachers from two years to five. Schwarzenegger calls it a reform of "teacher tenure" designed to make it more difficult for teachers to obtain "a job for life."

"You're absolutely wrong about tenure," Miller said.

In an interview afterward, Miller noted that the word "tenure" does not exist in the state Education Code governing K-12 teachers. The law does say that after a two-year probationary period teachers become "permanent" employees who have full due-process rights, including that of a hearing to challenge a decision to fire them.

"The principals are the ones who aren't doing their jobs," Miller said during his exchange with the governor. "They've got the tools."

Flap also was an elected member of the Board of Trustees of the Ventura County Community College District and knows Larry Miller very well.

Larry is a retired Moorpark College Biology professor and a long time American Federation of Teachers negotiator and union leader. He often represented the union before the VCCCD Board of Trustees. He even walked precincts for Flap when Flap first ran for office.

Miller is a fierce advocate for his left-wing views and very outspoken.

But, he is wrong on Proposition 74 and the remainder of the Governor's reform agenda.

How he was chosen for this confrontation with the Governor is probably a story worth pursuing.

Technorati Tags: Arnold Schwarzenegger, California Recovery Team, California Special Election, Bear Flag League, Proposition 74, Proposition 75, Proposition 76, Proposition 77, Ventura County Community College District

Posted by Flap at the FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog

The San Francisco Chronicle and the ASSociated Press has Schwarzenegger spars with voters in televised forum.

Facing testy voters in a freewheeling televised forum, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Thursday disputed that he was targeting teachers and other unionized workers with his ballot proposals and warned that their defeat could shortchange schools and leave the state financially hobbled.

"This is not a witch hunt after teachers," the governor said while discussing Proposition 74, which would require teachers to work five years, rather than two, to earn tenure.

If voters turn back his slate of four initiatives on Tuesday, "We will be back where we were two years ago, almost in bankruptcy and with a failed education system," the governor said.

Will California voters remember why they recalled Gray Davis two years ago and elected Arnold?

Will they give Schwarzenegger the tools to REFORM California or will California government revert back to the status quo with the large public employee unions calling the shots?

As he has throughout the campaign, Schwarzenegger described his proposals as critical steps to reform Sacramento, where "spending addicts" in the Legislature have pushed the state toward financial ruin.

The governor remained composed in the face of sharp, sometimes hostile questioning from several audience members.

One man, identified as Democrat from Camarillo, accused the Republican governor of using sugarcoated "spin" to convince the public to support Proposition 75, which would require public employee unions to obtain written permission from members before using their dues for political purposes.

"The way you describe it, it wouldn't make any sense," Schwarzenegger told him. "We want to reform the system that is good for everybody. ... We are not trying to silence anyone."

When Schwarzenegger was discussing schools, another audience member challenged the governor's characterization of teacher tenure.

"Let me say this to you ... it's almost impossible to fire a teacher," the governor said.

Indeed, it is.

Stay tuned as the voters begin to focus on the election and GOTV efforts swing into action.

Educator Margaret Fortune, chairperson of the proposition 74 campaign, speaks in support of the measure as California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger looks on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2005 in San Diego.

Technorati Tags: Arnold Schwarzenegger, California Recovery Team, California Special Election, Bear Flag League, Proposition 74, Proposition 75, Proposition 76, Proposition 77