"Republican lawmakers scolded Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Tuesday, telling him in a closed-door meeting how seriously his support among party stalwarts is wavering." – Los Angeles Times
**So…want to know which 19 GOP Assemblymembers actually showed up to hear from the Governor in yesterday’s caucus meeting? It’s at the bottom of this Commentary!**
In today’s Commentary:
- Reagan Cabinet Secretary speaks out on Kennedy Appointment.
- All 3 GOP candidates for Insurance Commissioner speak out on Kennedy Appointment
- Nationally syndicated columnist Bob Novak speaks out on Kennedy Appointment
I continue to be knotted up inside over the appointment of Democrat Susan Kennedy as the Governor’s Chief of Staff. The idea that she might just "settle in" to this spot, and start using this position to advance the Democrat Party agenda wherever she can…makes me nauseous.
As I have said before, I’ve been a big fan (and a defender) of Governor Schwarzenegger. For almost two years, I have been what I would consider to be a ‘team player’… But I feel like I got gut-punched on this one. The day of the appointment, the Governor called to ask me to be supportive of his pick… But, come on… I appreciate that the Governor has faith in her to serve him — but I’m not sure that I do. And I certainly don’t think she is there for any other Republicans. I have expressed these feelings and no efforts have been made to make me feel any better (well, one friend told me that the Aguiar and Dunmoyer moves were her ideas). Well, read this interview below and feel my misery…
THE HONORABLE JOHN HERRINGTON ON SUSAN KENNEDY’S APPOINTMENT
John Herrington served in numerous capacities in the Reagan Administration including several years as United States Secretary of Energy. From 1995-1996 he served a full term as Chairman of the California Republican Party.
Last week, a senior member of the Schwarzenegger Administration referred me over to John Herrington for input on the appointment of Judge Carol Corrigan to the State Supreme Court. Not surprisingly, he was supportive. But I don’t think the person referring me expected me to ask Secretary Herrington his thoughts on the appointment of Democrat Susan Kennedy the position of Chief of Staff by the Governor. Herrington was quite forceful in his comments:
"This was a terrible appointment, the Governor is getting bad advice," pronounced Herrington.
Reagan’s former Cabinet Secretary went on to emphatically say, "She is a Democrat operative and is now in a position to do significant harm!"
Herrington then shared the kind of perspective that you only get when you have worked at the highest echelons of our country’s government — his reflections on Kennedy’s positioning as a Chief of Staff to a Chief Executive… "I worked in the administration of President Reagan as a Cabinet Secretary," he explained. "I know the role of a Chief of Staff – they are involved with every key decision that is made. In the area of political appointments, the Chief of Staff is extremely influential. This Democrat is going to be involved with every decision from who is on a fair board to who are cabinet level appointees."
John Herrington is a very level-headed guy, and very well respected in all corners of the party. For someone of his stature and bearing to be this concerned makes me more concerned and nervous than ever!
ALL THREE GOP CANDIDATES FOR INSURANCE COMMISSIONER CRITICAL OF KENNEDY HIRE
"I took the opportunity to start asking GOP candidates for office what they think of the Kennedy pick. Of course, knowing that she probably wants them each to LOSE may have shaped their opinions…but who knows. Today, I will share with you the comments of the three Republican candidates for State Insurance Commissioner"
DR. PHIL KURZNER
"There is widespread disappointment in the appointment of a longstanding and partisan Democrat as Chief of State to Governor Schwarzenegger. Let me be clear, I share that same disappointment and stand with those Republicans who feel a sense of betrayal and frustration.
GARY MENDOZA
"One of the duties of the Governor is to be the titular head of the Republican Party. It will be extremely difficult to fulfill that obligation when his top aide has never supported or voted for a Republican candidate, and in fact, has been extremely active in the promotion of Democrat candidates and policies throughout her political career. Her appointment makes it all the more difficult for Party leaders to work alongside the Governor and his staff as we prepare for the 2006 elections."STEVE POIZNER
Had I been asked, I would have urged the Governor to appoint a chief of staff that would unite the Republican base, yet with the skills to build a broad coalition of Democrats and Independents. This is urgent, since the state’s financial crisis worsens as debt continues to mount. The Governor should not recruit senior players like Susan Kennedy back from the Davis administration, when voters are looking to move forward with new leadership.
BOB NOVAK ON KENNEDY HIRE
Nationally recognized syndicated columnist Bob Novak has an ‘insiders list’ of a kagallion names (okay, maybe ‘insiders’ is a loose description for a list that large). Anyways, each week he does an "Outlook" section on five key political happenings around the nation that week. Check out number five:
WHO SHOWED FOR THE CAUCUS MEETING?
When Governor Schwarzenegger came into the Assembly Republican Caucus meeting (escorted by his Legislative point man Richard Costigan), the following nineteen members where there to greet them: Greg Aghazarian, Sam Blakeslee, Russ Bogh, Dave Cogdill, Lynn Daucher, Bill Emmerson, Bonnie Garcia, Ray Haynes, Bob Huff, Rick Keene, Jay LaSuer, Tim Leslie, Kevin McCarthy, Dennis Mountjoy, Alan Nakanishi, Keith Richman, Mike Villines, Mimi Walters, and Mark Wyland.
Now, of the thirteen absentees, anyone on pre-planned vacations or ill gets a pass. After that, excuses become more dubious. Although, if you are represented by a GOP Assemblymember who isn’t listed above, why don’t you ask them why they weren’t there, and then let me know…
Here is the LA Times account of that meeting. Stay tuned to the FR weblog for some details from that meeting to be posted later….
COMING NEXT…
(I can only cram so much into one of these Commentaries…)
One of the key credentials that has been touted about Kennedy is her performance on the Public Utilities Commission. That she has been a supporter of business and open markets. Well, have I got a surprise for you. It falls under the category of, "I seriously could not make this stuff up."
Have a great day!
Jon
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