Daily Archives: February 15, 2006

Arnold Schwarzenegger

New Rasmussen Governor poll

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Interesting data from Rasmussen, a robopollster. I’m not sure how important the polling data against Angelides and Westly is though yet.  Westly has pretty low name ID, which is pressing his numbers down.

The golden state’s movie-star governor has scrounged a narrow lead over State Comptroller Steve Westly (D). Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) is still neck and neck with State Treasurer Phil Angelides (D).

The latest Rasmussen Reports California election poll shows Schwarzenegger leading Westly 39% to 34% in his bid for reelection. The Governor trails Angelides 41% to 40%.

Since January, Schwarzenegger has lost one percentage point when matched with Angelides. This is the third straight poll showing the gap between Angelides and Schwarzenegger as smaller than the survey margin of sampling error.

But against Westly, the governor has been gaining ground. In December, Westly had a modest lead. In January, they were essentially even. Now, the Governor has a five point advantage.

The governor, once very popular, is now viewed unfavorably by 50% of the state’s voters. Just 41% view him favorably.

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Abramoffitis is insidious in the California GOP

Yes, that most terrible of disease, Abramoffitis, has beset the California GOP once again.  And this time it’s one of our favorites around here: Rep. Richard Pombo (R-Tracy).  The LA Times has a profile on Pombo in today’s paper, and it has some very illuminating passages:

A Massachusetts tribe and client of Abramoff’s that donated $20,000 to Pombo received the congressman’s help seeking federal tribal recognition. Pombo supported the resumption of commercial whaling while accepting thousands of dollars in international travel from a private foundation funded by the seafood industry and a whaling association.

Also interesting is the data on the special interests from which Pombo has taken money…lots of money.

According to data compiled by the Campaign Finance Analysis Project, Pombo has, during his congressional career, collected more than $800,000 from agriculture, timber and fishing interests. The building industry has given him $205,000; oil and gas, $169,000; mining, $55,000; and casinos and gambling, $147,000.

Don’t forget that Pombo is being challenged by Republican former Congressman Pete McCloskey as well as the favorite for the Democratic nomination Jerry McNerny.  For more information on Pombo, see Say No to Pombo.  While not a prime Congressional target due to gerrymandering, taking Pombo out should be a priority.  His corruption combined with the efforts he has put in to allowing ecological harm should be enough to clue the voters of CA-11 in.  Mr. Pombo does not represent California nor his district.

A few more choice tidbits on the flip…

Well there were so many, it’s hard to choose.  But, choose I must.  Pombo certainly needs to go

Pombo’s critics have focused on his campaign’s reliance on donors from industries that stand to benefit from his legislation. Just months before the mining proposal made it out of Pombo’s committee, a former committee aide who once worked for Abramoff’s firm and is now a lobbyist for mining interests hosted a $1,000-a-head fundraiser for Pombo.

The Times reported earlier this year that Pombo joined forces with former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay of Texas in efforts to squelch a federal banking investigation of Texas financier Charles Hurwitz. Pombo, who had previously received a campaign contribution from Hurwitz, has contended that the investigation was unfounded and abusive.