Poizner will lead foes of changes in term limits

State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner ensured Tuesday that by the next governor's race he'll be remembered as the man who spearheaded efforts to retain existing legislative term limits.

Poizner announced that he will lead the charge against Proposition 93 by chairing a new campaign committee, serving as its state spokesman and pouring $1.5 million of his personal fortune into its kitty immediately, with more to come if necessary.

"Voters are sick and tired, they're fed up, with career politicians who have taken over this town," Poizner said in a news conference.

Poizner, the state's second-ranking Republican officeholder (after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger) and a potential nominee for the 2010 gubernatorial election, called Proposition 93 a "naked power grab" by legislative incumbents.

An identical $1.5 million from U.S. Term Limits creates an initial $3 million war chest for the new committee, Alliance for California's Renewal, to fight the Feb. 5 ballot measure.

Tuesday's announcement by the multimillionaire entrepreneur-turned-politician sparked immediate speculation that Poizner was boosting his name recognition to lay the groundwork for a GOP gubernatorial run.

"Term limits is one of those issues that unites conservative and moderate Republicans, so it provides an especially good opportunity for Poizner to position himself," said Dan Schnur, a Republican political strategist.

Poizner said he will be a point man for the No on 93 campaign, participating in radio talk shows and meeting with media editorial boards. He legally can donate unlimited sums because initiatives are not subject to state campaign contribution limits.

Lt. Gov. John Garamendi, a potential Democratic contender to replace Schwarzenegger, accused Poizner of playing political games to the detriment of hundreds of Southern California families who lost their homes in last month's devastating fires.

"I would expect that our insurance commissioner would be focused on helping our fellow Californians rebuild their lives. ... There will be plenty of time for politics tomorrow," Garamendi said in a written statement.

Richard Stapler, spokesman for the Yes on 93 campaign, characterized Poizner in a statement as a "poster child for term limits reform" who is eyeing higher office after only one year as insurance commissioner.

"Without any significant achievements in office he is already dedicating his time, money and energy on political advancement," Stapler said.

Poizner, not a declared gubernatorial candidate, said he cannot quell speculation. "But I won't let that speculation stop me from doing the right thing," he said.

Proposition 93 would reduce the number of years a lawmaker could serve in the Legislature from 14 to 12, but would allow all to be served in the Assembly, the Senate, or a combination of both. It also would provide at least one extra term for incumbents.

California law currently allows only six years in the Assembly and eight in the Senate.

The measure would allow Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez and Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata to remain in power an extra six years and four years, respectively.

Because Proposition 93 would cut years of service for future lawmakers but increase terms for incumbents, analysts disagree over whether it tightens or loosens current limits.

Supporters claim Proposition 93 would provide more stability in the Legislature and reduce reliance on lobbyists and staffers by allowing officeholders to gain more expertise without having to worry about constant fundraising or frequent career moves because of term limits.

Allan Hoffenblum, publisher of the California Target Book, which handicaps the state's political races, said Poizner's involvement in the No on 93 campaign could pay big dividends in 2010.

"It gives him more chips with the conservative element within the Republican Party," Hoffenblum said.

Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, joined Poizner in signing ballot arguments against Proposition 93.

"I don't know what his intentions are," Coupal said of a possible gubernatorial run. "But I do think that if he's looking for a good populist issue, this is it."

Before entering politics, Poizner was a Silicon Valley entrepreneur who founded a successful firm, SnapTracker Inc., which he sold to Qualcomm Inc. for $1 billion.

Stapler predicted Poizner's fight to kill Proposition 93 will backfire, partly by linking him to U.S. Term Limits, which is tied to New York millionaire Howard Rich and which has participated in signature-gathering drives that have run into legal trouble elsewhere.

Paul Jacob, the group's former president, was indicted recently on a charge of attempting to defraud the state of Oklahoma by using out-of-state residents to circulate initiative petitions.

"When you lay down with dogs, you get fleas," Stapler said of Poizner's cooperation with U.S. Term Limits, which as a nonprofit agency does not have to reveal its donors.

Philip Blumel, president of U.S. Term Limits, said Jacob no longer is associated with the group.

"We're a single-issue group and our issue is term limits," he said. "That's not a radical position."

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• Call Jim Sanders, Bee Capitol Bureau, (916) 326-5538.