I'm Sorry Governor Schwarzenegger, But You Can't Just Press Release Yourself Out of a Scandal

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

The daily papers have had a chance to weigh in on yesterday's hearing on Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's improper political interference at the California Air Resources Board, and let's just say Team Arnold's decision to run away from the hearing was probably a mistake. The headlines say it all:

• Sacramento Bee: Lawmakers miffed by answers on air board upheaval
• Los Angeles Times: Democrats accuse governor of bullying air panel
• San Francisco Chronicle: Ex-official of air board says pressure was intense; Governor's office accused of 'interference' on emissions
• San Diego Union Tribune: Governor accused of pressuring air board
• Daily Breeze: Democrats demanding answers on departures
• AP: Former Air Board officials say Schwarzenegger interfered

And how's this for an AP lead: "Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger portrays himself as a global environmental leader, but that image was tarnished Friday as two former state air pollution officials testified about an administration they said is working to weaken global warming initiatives." Ouch!

Now Governor Schwarzenegger, I know you have one of the best spin teams money can buy, but they may have blew it this time. This story has legs, and you just gave it wings. Hiding your head in the sand and refusing to allow your deputies to respond to the former CARB officials' rather damning allegations gives the impression that you are engaged in a cover-up. So let me give you some free advise: if Susan Kennedy and Dan Dunmoyer have nothing to hide, then the headlines you so desire will reveal it once they testify. But if Dr. Robert Sawyer and Catherine Witherspoon's allegations are true -- if your administration did cravenly seek to undermine CARB's science-based independence while publicly magazine-glossing your green credentials -- then perhaps your spin team is wise to only give the suspicion of impropriety before removing all doubt.