Schwarzenegger to speak at Republican convention
The California governor has said he would not attend the convention if the state budget is not in place.
SACRAMENTO -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is slated for a prime-time speaking slot on the opening night of the Republican National Convention in September, along with President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, according to sources familiar with his plans.
Schwarzenegger, whose theme is expected to be the story of John McCain's life, brings rare star power to the GOP lineup. He is also more moderate politically than the typical Republican convention delegate.
Schwarzenegger is currently negotiating with lawmakers to end California's nearly two-month budget standoff. He said last week that he would not attend the convention if there is no spending plan in place when the convention begins on Sept. 1, which is Labor Day.
Matt David, Schwarzenegger's spokesman, said the governor was "totally unwilling to accept that a budget can't be done by Labor Day."
The convention will be held in Minneapolis-St. Paul from Sept. 1 through 4.
michael.rothfeld@latimes.com
