Prometheus 6

Quote of note:

Schwarzenegger's critics say he is raising money with a zeal eclipsing that of the man he unseated, former Gov. Gray Davis. His supporters have organized "Evenings With Governor Schwarzenegger," with a seat at his dinner table costing $100,000 and the lowest-priced ticket going for $25,000.

"The fundraising activity of Arnold Schwarzenegger since taking office I think speaks volumes to his lack of commitment to political reform," said Paul S. Ryan, an attorney with the Campaign Legal Center in Washington, D.C.

Governor Fails to Curb Big Money
While criticizing the system, Schwarzenegger continues to raise millions to help his political agenda and seeks to lift restrictions.
By Robert Salladay
Times Staff Writer
February 21, 2005

SACRAMENTO   Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ousted a sitting governor and entered elective politics by deploring a system in which "the money comes in and the favors go out."

But as he promotes his political agenda for 2005, Schwarzenegger has failed to curb big money in politics. Rather, he seeks the freedom to raise unlimited amounts.

A few weeks ago, he compared himself to populist reformer Hiram Johnson   the early 20th century California governor who challenged the power of railroad barons   while he was holding meetings with wealthy donors to raise money for his campaign to transform state government. He is putting on a series of fundraisers around the state in hopes of collecting at least $50 million this year.

Schwarzenegger and his supporters have filed a lawsuit in Sacramento County Superior Court to overturn regulations dictating the size of contributions he can accept as he pursues his agenda.

And in an unusual move, the California Republican Party voted on Feb. 13 to formally endorse Schwarzenegger for reelection so it can raise money   more than a year earlier than it would normally   to promote the governor. The party is not subject to the same contribution limits as Schwarzenegger.