LA Times: Where Schwarzenegger goes, money follows (except, apparently, to the state treasury)

[marmar]

Where Schwarzenegger goes, money follows
A review of the governor's appearances and fundraising this year shows that those who benefit from his help often do favors for him too.

By Michael Rothfeld
December 14, 2008


Reporting from Sacramento -- When the owner of Staples Center had nearly completed a two-year project to generate power from the sun on the arena's roof, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger showed up at a ceremony to help lay the final solar panel and heap praise on the Anschutz Entertainment Group for going green.

Schwarzenegger returned that same night in late October for a far different, less public event: a fundraiser thrown by the company that raked in half a million dollars for his political endeavors. Guests mingled with the governor and First Lady Maria Shriver over cocktails and dinner on a terrace at Anschutz's L.A. Live development, then watched the Lakers' season opener from luxury box seats.

Bearing star power wherever he goes, Schwarzenegger lends cachet and exposure to those seeking publicity for their events. A review of his appearances and his fundraising this year shows that those who benefited from his giant profile frequently helped the governor as well, often contributing tens of thousands of dollars or more to his campaigns and causes.

After promising during the 2003 recall to end the influence of money in California politics, Schwarzenegger campaigned this year to reform state government through Proposition 11, the successful initiative to change how legislative districts are drawn. Even his allies in that fight find it distasteful that the governor has become the most prolific fundraiser in state political history and solicited millions of dollars for the redistricting effort from corporate and special interests. .......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-arnold14-2008dec14,0,5258877.story