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.
Complaints about the governor's fundraising, which could reach more than $150 million in three years, are on the rise, highlighting a persistent problem in California politics: Despite repeated efforts by voters to contain fundraising, elected officials continue to benefit from five- and six-figure donations.
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.
Campaign finance watchdogs say the special election that Schwarzenegger wants to call this year, at a cost to taxpayers of as much as $70 million, is itself a way to bypass fundraising rules. Under the law, the governor is barred from appearing in TV ads for initiative campaigns if he is running on the same ballot, which he could be in 2006.
