Pushing to diminish organized labor's clout in Sacramento, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Saturday threw his support behind a November ballot measure that would bar public-employee unions from spending member dues on political campaigns without prior consent.
His endorsement of Proposition 75 puts Schwarzenegger at the forefront of a longtime cause of the Republican Party and its business allies. In an effort to dry up a prime source of campaign money for Democrats, they have backed similar measures across the nation. Underscoring its commitment, the state Republican Party has put $250,000 into the "Yes on 75" campaign.
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Monday September 19, 2005 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 2 National Desk 1 inches; 47 words Type of Material: Correction
Proposition 75 -- An article in Sunday's California section said the state Republican Party had put $250,000 into the campaign to pass Proposition 75, a ballot measure that would bar public-employee unions from spending member dues on political campaigns without prior consent. The actual amount was $200,000.
Schwarzenegger's personal stake in the matter has grown this year as California unions mounted a punishing television ad assault against him. After months of hinting that he would back the measure, Schwarzenegger finally endorsed it in a lunch speech to more than 500 supporters at the state Republican convention in Anaheim.
Public workers, Schwarzenegger said, "should not be forced to contribute to causes, candidates and controversial issues that they don't believe in."
"Big government union leaders should not use their members' money as a personal kitty to fund political campaigns and political advertising," he said between rounds of cheers that filled the hotel ballroom.
Dismissing the ads against him as rife with "misinformation," the Republican governor struck a defiant tone as he cast himself as an outsider threatening "union bosses" long accustomed to buying favors from California politicians.
"After I'd been in Sacramento for a while, the system basically came to me and said, 'You're the new governor, here's how it works in Sacramento: Just give us the money, don't talk about quality, don't rock the boat -- or else.' Well, let me tell you something: The attacks that you see on television are the 'or else.' And I will not be deterred."
The Republican rank and file leaped to their feet, applauded and called out: "Ar-nold! Ar-nold! Ar-nold!"
Schwarzenegger now has attached his name to four consecutive proposals on the Nov. 8 ballot, simplifying the marketing of his agenda for the special election. He led the crowd in chanting: "Yes on 74, 75, 76, 77."
Recent polls found that voters favored Proposition 75, but rejected the three others. Proposition 74 would extend the probation period for newly hired teachers from two years to five years. Proposition 76 would restrict state spending growth, adjust minimum requirements for school spending and give the governor new powers to cut spending. Proposition 77 would strip state lawmakers of their power to draw congressional and legislative district maps.
