Bad News for Conservatives in California - Governor Appoints Liberal, Lesbian as Chief of Staff

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Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appoints liberal, lesbian as his new Chief of Staff

Capitol Weekly reported:

"The chief of staff's position is considered the most powerful administrative position in state government, with broad authority over policy-making and the sprawling bureaucracy. The decision was made following two days of intense, closed-door meetings that included negotiating sessions across the street from the Capitol in the Hyatt Regency Hotel, where Schwarzenegger stays while in Sacramento. Kennedy's hiring was the culmination of a five-hour meeting, sources said, at which Kennedy demanded--and got--sole authority over hiring and firing the executive staff. That provision spread anger among Republican insiders, who said they feared a major purge of GOP staffers among the governor's inner circle.

Republicans said Kennedy's hiring had been pushed by Democrats close to the governor--including his wife, Maria Shriver, and advisers Bonnie Reiss and Daniel Zingale. Democrats, meanwhile, said Schwarzenegger's decision was based more on his personal nonpartisan nature, rather than from succumbing to persuasive Democrats.

Kennedy's hiring signals a dramatic shakeup in the inner circle around Gov. Schwarzenegger, who suffered a major political defeat on Nov. 8, when his attempts to overhaul government--including spending limits and the creation of a retired judges' panel to supervise reapportionment--were rejected by voters."

Los Angeles Times columnist George Skelton wrote:

"Indeed, Ms. Kennedy told reporters yesterday: 'I've been 25 years in the Democratic Party, 25 years slogging for candidates and causes I believed in and still believe in. And my philosophy has not changed.'

But her new boss is sweeping past such concerns. 'She's willing to set her Democratic philosophy aside and do the job and do my vision -- to be able to work together with Democrats and Republicans,' he told reporters. He says that '5%" of those he has called are supportive of her appointment.'"

The American Chronicle reports:

"Kennedy, 45, of Marin County, served as Cabinet Secretary for former Governor Gray Davis and was an Executive Director of the California Democratic Party. She is a pro-choice lesbian who got her start in politics working for Phil Angelides and Senator Dianne Feinstein. She attended San Francisco State University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $131,412. She will assume this position on January 1, 2006."

And Free Republic reports that the California Republican Assembly Board of Directors will be voting on a resolution calling for the California Republican Party's withdrawal of their pre-primary endorsement of the Governor.

How many Californians do you think have bookmarked these pages under ANGER?

While you're at it, click HERE to go to the Governor's home page and then on First Lady Maria's banner to her own website to see what she's up to. She's a busy lady.

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