Terminating Conservatism In California
By Tony DiPasquale (08/15/03)
With the recall of Governor Grey Davis underway in California, voters are being inundated with a plethora of candidates to fill the potential vacancy. One of the forerunners, Arnold Schwarzenegger, is enjoying a wide array of support among Republicans across the country. But should Republicans, namely conservatives, be excited about this choice?
At first glance, we see many Republicans salivating at the notion that they may actually gain control of the California governorship. With this comes some perks, namely appointments to state agencies, not to mention the inherent benefit given to the Republican Party, as "one of their own" can aid in campaigns around the state, as well as President Bush's re-election efforts next year.
So obviously it seems that the positives to come out of a possible Schwarzenegger victory outweigh any of the potential negatives associated with his more liberal stance on many issues, but is this an accurate assessment?
Can we be certain that Mr. Schwarzenegger will help candidates who are more conservative win election in California?
Increasing the number of Republican officials in his state will no doubt make his job much easier. Still it can be expected that many Democrats, especially under the circumstances of this election, will block much of his agenda regardless of whether it is conservative or liberal.
Still sound good? Well there is a downside. Just like in New York, where governor Pataki, considered a moderate Republican by many, Californians may run the risk of a liberal agenda being pushed through because fellow Republicans will not want to oppose a governor from their party.
Sure Pataki has cut some taxes, but under his reign much more has been done to advance a liberal agenda than any conservative beliefs that I am aware of.
Under the Pataki administration, New Yorkers have witnessed the creation of all sorts of health-care plans meant to cover a wide array of the populace. This incremental attempt at covering all New Yorkers, and that does seem to be their goal, as these programs seem to expand to cover more and more people each year, is more reflective of Hillary Care than the conservative ideal of less government.
But it does not stop there. Governor Pataki has increased restrictions on firearms with the aid of his Republican accomplices in the New York Senate.
I know what choice do New Yorkers have? The chances of electing a true conservative in a statewide election in New York are probably up there with winning the state's Lotto.
The fact remains, when Democrats were in charge of the Governor's mansion. Republicans at least had the moxie to oppose this type of legislation. It seems that when a Republican puts forth the same nonsense it is welcomed with open arms because apparently all that matters is the continued success of the Republican "team".
We must ask ourselves, is winning so important that we must put aside our political beliefs when it is politically expedient? Or does such action actually amount to a hollow victory?
I fear the same outcome is in store for Californians. Perhaps, with any luck, state Democrats will oppose Schwarzenegger, should he be elected, solely on the grounds that he is a Republican. My guess is that this will happen more often than not, especially whenever he attempts to reign in social spending.
This of course assumes that fiscally, Schwarzenegger will govern conservatively. Presently he has sought the advice of one of the nation's wealthiest, but liberal, billionaires, Warren Buffet.
Will Buffet advise him to seek cuts in various social programs? Or is it more likely that Mr. Buffet will suggest minor cuts in spending, mostly those not related to the social infrastructure, coupled with minor, albeit targeted tax hikes?
Due in part to the intoxication of finally having a Republican once again as governor of California, there will be but a scant few Republicans that will criticize the governor for any leftward leanings.
Congratulations California Republicans on your soon to be hollow victory. I hope Schwarzenegger serves you better than Pataki has served New York.
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