From Black-Out to Green-In

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Despite his own calls for fundraising bans during the budget and bill signing periods, the Governor is putting his fundraising schedule on steroids to lift his total over the $50 million he says he needs.

The Los Angeles Times reports the first injection of funds will come from a "17-event fundraising tour from here to Boston, tapping donors who have a stake in bills soon to arrive at [the Governor’s] desk for signature or veto." (Los Angeles Times, August 17, 2005)

"Early in his tenure, Schwarzenegger had proposed a 'black-out' period barring fundraising when the Legislature was in session. He and other Republicans criticized his predecessor, Davis, for holding fundraisers at the end of legislative sessions when governors decide what bills should become law." (L.A. Times, August 17, 2005)

Now the Gov is less concerned about a "black-out" period than he is with his "green-in" period.

As of the last reporting period, the Governor reported raising $8.3 million of the "at least" $50 million he says he needs to "promote his agenda this year." (L.A. Times, February 9, 2005)

This means the Governor must raise $41.7 million before Election Day (from the end of the FPPC reporting period, June 30, till November 8 is only 131 days).

To reach his stated goal, Schwarzenegger must raise at least $318,321 daily, nearly eight times more than the $39,122 a day pace Gray Davis set during his first 18 months in office. (Sources: FPPC Reports, San Francisco Chronicle, August 1, 2000)

That’s nearly $10 million a month, close to 10 times the “$1 million a month” pace Governor Gray Davis raised at the same point in his tenure. (Associated Press, April 4, 2002)

Martin Wilson, the Governor’s chief fundraiser “said Schwarzenegger could gather $5 million from the 17 events.” (L.A. Times, August 17, 2005)

That means eight more trips like this one!

Looks like the governor just declared a "black-out" on governing.