And it's conceivable that Democrats could use these late-breaking charges as the justification for launching a drive to recall the newly elected governor. It might be only bluster, but Democratic insiders say at least one deep-pockets donor already has promised to fund a new petition drive if the party is willing to launch it.
Even without such a formal declaration of war, the new charges mean a Gov. Schwarzenegger will face a state intensely polarized about him. Judging by the rallies over the last few days, Schwarzenegger's core supporters consider him the victim of a smear. But weekend polls show other voters harboring increasing doubts about Schwarzenegger. With the lines hardening around him, Schwarzenegger shouldn't expect much of a honeymoon in public opinion if he wins.
The irony is that until these charges emerged, Schwarzenegger's candidacy offered beleaguered California Republicans the chance for a fresh start. As demographic changes have shifted California's political balance toward the left, the GOP has been in a Catch-22: Republican candidates with views on social issues (such as abortion) liberal enough to win a general election usually have been unable to survive a primary process dominated by conservatives.
The recall allowed Schwarzenegger to leap that hurdle by presenting himself directly to the entire electorate. If he wins, he could identify the GOP with an agenda of fiscal conservatism, support for public education and social tolerance much closer to the state's mainstream. "He has the ability to change the image of the California Republican Party," says Duf Sundheim, the state GOP chairman.
In practical terms, a Gov. Schwarzenegger would be a huge asset for the GOP.
If his campaign is any guide, he would likely attract more cameras and notebooks than anyone who has held that office, even Ronald Reagan. He has already shown himself to be a formidable fund-raiser.
And if he rolls up his sleeves for the gritty work of recruiting and helping to fund legislative and statewide candidates who share his priorities, Schwarzenegger could place an unmistakable stamp on the California GOP by promoting more centrist candidates.
Yet the GOP faces the risk that the attitudes toward Schwarzenegger's personal behavior will overshadow his political message and undermine his ability to redefine the party even if he wins Tuesday. Some Republicans have been hoping that Schwarzenegger's moderate views on education and social issues would eventually help the party regain ground it lost over the last decade among women in the state.
