Would-Be GOP Successors Flee the Governator

But trashing Arnold could backfire on Whitman, Poizner

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 29, 2009 12:53 PM CDT

(Newser) – After years of getting the cold shoulder from Arnold Schwarzenegger, California Republicans are returning the sentiment as they mount efforts to succeed him, the Los Angeles Times reports. Top GOP contenders Meg Whitman and Steve Poizner have criticized Schwarzenegger’s budget and ballot measures, tossing in digs about his ego and work habits for good measure. The strategy, one insider said, is to become “anti-Arnold.”

But the pols echo many of the same promises Schwarzenegger made when he first sought office. “People think the Schwarzenegger experience didn't work out so well, and they're going to be looking for something very different,” predicted a strategist. The strategy could also alienate centrist voters and provoke Schwarzenegger. “He’s not going to be a punching bag,” said an aide.

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (2)]

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger listens outside of the West Wing of the White House in Washington, Friday, March 20, 2009, after their meeting with President Barack Obama. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Arnold Schwarzenegger pumps his fist as he speaks to supporters at the Los Angeles. (Getty Images)

Arnold Schwarzenegger gestures before a flag at a campaign stop in Los Angeles. (Getty Images)

Meg Whitman officially launched her bid to seek the Republican nomination for California governor on Monday, Feb. 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

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Ideally, your campaign is running a war on one front. It's hard to win an election running against your opponent at the same time you're running against your own party. - Bill Whalen, Republican adviser

It's natural for people to ask, 'If you're promising the same things Arnold promised in 2003, why should we believe you, given what he's done?'
- Republican adviser

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Would-Be GOP Successors Flee the Governator