I have found in this world of ‘breaking news’ that you have to make a judgement call on when something is ‘rumor’ and when it is ‘fact’. My general principle is the ‘rule of 6’ – if I hear a rumor and can find six credible sources that can confirm this rumor, even off of the record, then I feel comfortable going forward… While I had been hearing this story for a few days, last night – the ‘rule of 6’ kicked into effect — so here is what I’ve heard:
SCHWARZENEGGER TO PICK NEW CHIEF OF STAFF
Since his election as Governor, Patricia Clarey has served honorably as Arnold
Schwarzenegger’s Chief of Staff. Her pick was a surprise to some that assumed the Governor would pick someone with a higher profile. Clarey, as a Deputy Chief of Staff to former Governor Pete Wilson, had always kept a lower profile in that administration. One can only imagine the challenge and stress that comes with being any Governor’s Chief of Staff — but imagine how that dynamic intensifies under this Governor. Heck, he’s a celebrity, with everything that brings to the table. In addition, while I have heard of surrounding yourself with people of diverse opinions and ideas, as a leadership tool — Governor Schwarzenegger has taken that to the extreme. Sitting around ‘The Horseshoe’ are ideological extremes so vast that it is likely that many in the room have never ever voted for the same candidate for anything (presumably with a vote for Schwarzenegger being the exception). So, Clarey’s job has been the toughest of all – having to try to ‘manage’ a Governor who likes to call the shots, and at the same time having to exert leadership over a senior staff that is often ideologically and strategically divided (an image of ‘herding cats’ comes to mind).
Because of my ‘Rule of 6’ – I can’t really confim why Clarey is out the door, stage right. I can share with you some of what I have heard:
- Pat is burned out, and looking to do something out. This is her decision.
- The Governor wants to make a major change for PR purposes, and Pat got the short straw.
- The Governor wants a higher-profile CoS to deal who can ‘herd the cats’ more easily.
- Political maneuvers by some in the administration who favor someone more liberal than Pat.
I will let you try to sort out truth from fiction here – the eve of an election hardly seemed like the most appropriate time to play ‘cub reporter’ and bugging people – so I decided to just go with what I have.
"So, if Clarey is leaving — who might the new Chief of Staff," you ask? Good question. My sources tell me that the Governor’s closest senior advisors have weighed in with a lot of suggestions, but that the Governor and Maria Shriver are very concerned about picking just the right person.
I’ve heard a dozen potential names out there, but, again – ‘Rule of 6’ – so here are four potential contenders…
FORMER ASSEMBLY SPEAKER BOB HERTZBERG
The only Democrat that I have heard so far has been the affable Hertzberg. He was a member of Arnold’s Transition Team, and is a close trusted advisor. This pick would definately enhance his ability to negotiate with the Democrats in charge of the legislature. But you would see quite a grassroots uprising from the right if the GOP Governor were to put a Democrat in his top spot.
SECRETARY FRED AGUIAR
Currently the Secretary of the State Consumer Services Agency, this former Inland Empire Assemblyman and County Supervisor is infamous for his ability to get along with everybody. Word is that the Governor has been very impressed with the job he has done at Consumer Services, and he is well respected by his peers. His would bring the gravitas of being an accomplished Agency head to the position.
FORMER ASSEMBLY SPEAKER CURT PRINGLE
Pringle is the Mayor of Anaheim (yes, that means free tickets to see the Angels, the Ducks, and probably to the Magic Kingdom). In the mid-90’s, he served for a short period of time as the only Republican Speaker of the Assembly that California has seen in decades (and it may be a while before you see another). Pringle has shown extreme diversity, being successful in private business (window coverings), state politics, and now as a recognized leader in local government.
FORMER ASSEMBLYMAN SCOTT BAUGH
No one seems to have mastered the art of being friends to all, without compromising his conservative principles, more than Scott Baugh. After Speaker Doris Allen was recalled, Baugh was propelled into the legislature, where he eventually became Assembly Republican Leader. Baugh is currently the Chairman of the Orange County GOP where he has managed to bring together disparate factions that many felt could not work together.
All of these folks have a strong reputation for being able to work with members of either political party – which would seem to be an important criteria, since that split is not only over in the legislature, but right in the Governor’s own cabinet!
Not to discount my own story, but I did run into Baugh (we are both from Orange County), and so I asked him about this rumor. He chuckled, and said that politics is always filled with intregue. He said that he had not been formally approached by anyone in the administration…. Hmmm… Should there be quote marks around "formally"? Baugh ain’t talkin’.
A FEW WORKDS ON PAT CLAREY
Let me close out this story with some words about Pat Clarey. When Pete Wilson was elected Governor, I was a young pup – heading up California Young Americans for Freedom, a conservative youth organization that, from the perspective of those in the Wilson Administration, probably seemed dedicated exclusively to being against anything that Wilson was for — LOL. Despite that as a backdrop, I’ve really enjoyed working with Pat, and we’ve developed a great relationship. I think she has well-served this Governor. Again, is she making a career move? Is she being ‘terminated’? I can’t say. Hey, despite the ‘rule of six’, I could have this all wrong, and maybe she returns from the campaign trail. But I will always wish Pat well – she’s a great person.
I should add that, despite the word to the contrary, it would be nice if this were an unfounded story – I like the job Clarey is doing.
This is a breaking story, and I would like to shed more light – you can write to me here (totally anonymous) with any tips.
Remember that today is election day — and the FlashReport recommends a YES on 73, 74, 75, 76, and 77. We recommend a NO vote on 78, 79, 80. In Orange County, vote NO on Measure D.
Tomorrow’s FlashReport will be FILLED with post-election analysis including a feature story from FlashReport’s State Capitol Correspondent Dan Schnur.
Have a great day.
Jon
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Today: Dan Schnur on Arnold’s Reelection, and more!