Today's Fresh Meat

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

Governor Schwarzenegger is considering turning over his health care plan over to California votersin a ballot initiative, in order to sidestep the intransigence ofRepublicans in the state legislature, reports the San Jose MercuryNews. The Governor is counting on the seven out of ten Californians whobelieve in health care reform, and his ability to put together the“strongest, most robust health care coalition ever put together” tocounter what would inevitably be a very well-financed oppositioncampaign.

The Governor’s speech to the California Republican Party at its annual conventionon Friday likewise didn’t go over very well for many, according to theSac Bee. Speaking out in favor of inclusiveness and broadening theRepublican Party’s appeal, the Governor adopted a critical tone towardsthe party’s attempts to shut out independents and its self-induced falltowards irrelevance. Whether Arnold’s image of a progressive party inthe mold of TR will be sustained after he leaves office will certainlybe up to them.