Ahnold to Woo Dems in '06

From the Los Angeles Times via Political Wire:

SACRAMENTO — Even as his battle with Democrats and their union supporters continues, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is preparing to adopt some of his opponents' most important issues as his own next year, when he will be campaigning for reelection.

Schwarzenegger wants to focus on health insurance for children, homelessness and big building projects that have been the hallmark of some Democratic governors, administration officials and others said — an effort to craft a less confrontational agenda than this year's.

His tanking poll ratings might have shaken Ahnold's confidence and made him see that Californians don't care for his confrontational approach. After barging on to the political scene via an unprecedented recall election, boasting of kicking nurses' butts and attempting to raid the police and firefighters' pensions left the public soured on his bigger-than-life persona. The electorate isn't starstruck anymore. It now sees him for what he is: a bully who throws his weight around because he thinks he can.

With next month's special election costing both sides a total $120 milion -- and counting -- a signal that he's willing to entertain more bipartisanship on issues is certainly welcome. However, it remains to be seen whether this kinder, gentler Ahnold is for real or just a facade to cover further pursuit of his partisan agenda in ' 06.

The Democrats are certainly in no mood to play. After polarizing the state, Ahnold will have to prove that he's serious about earning the trust of those of us across the aisle.

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