Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was a late endorsement of the failed ballot measure to extend terms for the current legislative leadership, said Wednesday that it was time to “move on” following the defeat of Proposition 93.
“I think we just have to move on now,” Schwarzenegger said, answering questions about the election results during an event in Natomas.
Weeks before Tuesday's balloting, Schwarzenegger threw his support behind Proposition 93, arguing in a Los Angeles Times op-ed that the measure would have made for a more effective Legislature. The initiative would have allowed lawmakers to serve 12 years in either legislative house, in total, compared to the current six years in the Assembly and eight in the Senate.
In a meeting with The Bee’s editorial board, Schwarzenegger revealed he endorsed the measure for more personal reasons, as well.
"I really want some of those guys to stay," Schwarzenegger said of the legislative leaders. He has worked particularly closely with Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez.
On Wednesday, Schwarzenegger declined to speculate about who would be the next leaders.
“I don’t get involved in who will be the next leader,” Schwarzenegger said.
Three of the four legislative leaders are scheduled to leave office at the end of 2008 – Núñez, Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata and Senate GOP leader Dick Ackerman.
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