SACRAMENTO — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger compares his governing style to hitting the "sweet spot" on a golf ball that sends it soaring through the air: negotiating contentious issues until he strikes the exact compromise that brings opposing groups together.
But past the midway point in his tenure, Schwarzenegger's penchant for shifting ground has left him with a record of self-contradiction and a reputation among California's polarized constituencies as a leader whose bold pronouncements may quickly be forgotten.
He reversed course on auto fee increases, a minimum wage hike and term limits for state lawmakers. He said he didn't need special interest money, then became the biggest fundraiser in state history. He said he would cut up state credit cards, then borrowed billions. He promised open government, but let secret corporate donors pay for his travels abroad.
Schwarzenegger recently issued a strong endorsement of a proposed toll road through San Onofre State Beach, nearly two years after his administration had derided the plan and said he was committed to preserving the state park. He then decided not to reappoint two state parks commissioners -- his brother-in-law Bobby Shriver and fellow screen star Clint Eastwood -- who fought the road.
The governor's reversals have perhaps been most frustrating to his fellow Republicans, many of whom suspect that in his search for ways to close the state's yawning budget gap, he may renege on his commitment not to raise taxes -- a sure sticking point in negotiations. In the coming months, that dynamic could hamper Schwarzenegger's ability to navigate the state's fiscal crisis.
"When anybody alters their position repeatedly, it creates a credibility gap," said Assemblyman Anthony Adams (R-Hesperia). "We would be very disappointed -- and frankly, highly upset with the governor -- if he were to go backwards on his commitment not to raise taxes."
Aides contend that the governor has kept his word on that key GOP issue by raising fees, not taxes. But the fees he has backed, including some amounting to billions of dollars that were included in his failed healthcare plan, are essentially the same thing, say many Republicans and anti-tax groups.
The governor, who in January promised, "I will not raise taxes on the people of California," later said he agreed with the nonpartisan legislative analyst's suggestion that the state collect more tax money by cutting or reducing some "loopholes."
