Only in California would an electorate designated as a
Democratic stronghold elect a Republican film actor who is suddenly
viewed as an environmentalist.
Only in California would an electorate designated as a Democratic stronghold elect a Republican film actor who is suddenly viewed as an environmentalist.
Only in California can a Jerry Brown, once viewed as a bedfellow to Flower Power and who dated pop singers, make a serious run as a law-and-order candidate for Attorney General.
Only in California can it somehow make sense. In Brown’s case, it makes sense because you simply do not remain in high-profile politics as long as he has without being shrewd. He is the son of a California governor and was the governor himself. The fact that he continues to resurface is no surprise to anyone. In Arnold Schwarzenegger’s case, we have to hope that shape-shifting will not be the benchmark of his career as governor.
Remember last year, for instance, when Schwarzenegger fell out of favor after trying to ram special election ballot measures down the public’s throat? The effort failed miserably. A year later he is back, way ahead in the polls after having become instrumental in a state and international strategy aimed at curbing global warming.
Next thing you know, even Democrats are voting for him.
“He’s more in the middle. He’s not really extreme,” said voter Marko Koosel of San Francisco to an Associated Press reporter. Koosel describes himself as pro-environment, anti-war, and independent. “I felt Phil Angelidas hasn’t shown anything special that would separate him.”
So Schwarzenegger is in, but the four infrastructure bonds he has stumped for struggle mightily for acceptance. California makes for an exciting electorate.
And this election, it appears that electorate has come out to vote. The AP reported on Tuesday that the Secretary of State predicted a turnout of 55 percent. That is 5 percent above the gubernatorial election of four years ago, although lower than the turnout in the recall election that put Schwarzenegger into power.
We hope that increase in turnout is felt locally. This election offered San Benito County voters measures and candidates that could literally change the landscape of this county. This county, and the city of Hollister, are changing. Whether we view that change as a progression or an entrenchment will be reflected on how we voted. Let’s hope a lot of us took the time to vote. We will know by today.
