I almost feel bad for the Governor. I mean, he can't get his programs passed in the legislature, as Republicans think they are too liberal, and Dems think they are too conservative. Almost.  But, I certainly would not want to be him when he goes into Indian Wells this weekend to make a speech to the California Republican Party's convention. As the LA Times points out in the title of its article about the convention, “Republican Schwarzenegger, GOP don't get along”

The governor has shown little interest in throwing the organization a lifeline. And some party leaders leave the impression that if one were to come their way, they might just throw it back. “He doesn't agree with the vast majority of Republicans on most issues,” said Mike Spence, president of the California Republican Assembly, which works to elect conservatives.

“I imagine the gathering will not be a particularly happy one,” said Jack Pitney, a professor of government at Claremont McKenna College. (LA Times 9/7/07)

 We've discussed this in the past, but there is a very real possibility of the split growing at this convention.  The GOP has been kowtowing to the social conservatives, and now they are just beginning to realize that social conservatives alone are not enough to win, especially in California.  So, they are bereft of purpose while they struggle to find a purpose within the state, the underlying question is can the GOP “big tent” survive Schwarzenegger in California.  

 This has long term implications in the state. If Arnold decides to run for Senate in 2010, will the GOP be united behind him? Will social conservatives stay at home knowing his pro-choice and other social progressive views? A major split could put his Senate ambitions at risk.