My Challenge to Governor Arnold Schwuleficker

California Governator Arnold Schwuleficker has called a special election for November 8, 2005, to avoid the almost seven-month wait until the next regularly scheduled statewide election on 6/6/6 to vote on his proposals for budget reform, school reform, and redistricting reform. The only reason for the special election is to give the governor the ability to raise special-interest contributions that would be severely restricted in the 6/6/6 election, where Ahnold is expected to be a candidate. The referenda are also being viewed by both Democrats and Republicans as an up or down vote on Arnold's performance as governator.

I put forward this challenge to the governor: don't be a political girlie-man, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Announce today that if you don't win at least 2 out of 3 by solid margins, you will not run for re-election next year. That way, the voters of Kah-lee-for-nee-yuh will be able to choose between a real Democrat and a real Republican, instead of between a patsy and a cardboard caricature of an action hero.

Besides that, if you're not a candidate in the 6/6/6 primary election, you'll be able to sell your soul to Satan (again! must be some kind of "soul equity loan" or something) and raise unlimited out-of-state special-interest campaign contributions for a whole new round of initiatives! You'll be able to tap into the deep need of the people of Dayton, Ohio, to speak out on California politics by pulling out their checkbooks.

In this game of Texas California Hold 'Em, it's time to go "all in." Or are you just chicken?