(Rich) People's Governor Rewards His Donors

LAT takes on the self-appointed People's Governor, with an inside scoop on how Governor Schwarzenegger rewards his consituents, the (rich) people.

When wealthy contributors write checks to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, they often get a few canapes and a drink — and a secret telephone number that grants them access to his closest advisors and even the governor himself.

Twice a month, donors can become insiders' insiders — invited to participate in conference calls featuring information about Schwarzenegger campaign strategy that his political enemies would love to have. In turn, donors who dial in can give the governor advice.

More gory details:

In the latest such call, a few days ago, Schwarzenegger's media expert, Don Sipple, outlined a strategy "based on a lot of polling" to create a "phenomenon of anger" among voters toward public employee unions. Firefighters, police officers, teachers and other state-paid workers have become the governor's harshest critics this year.

"The process is like peeling an onion," Sipple said, describing a multi-step plan for persuading voters that public-worker unions are "motivated by economic self-interest" instead of "doing the best job for the state."

The Thursday discussion, involving multiple contributors and three top Schwarzenegger strategists, offered a rare glimpse of the governor's "donor maintenance" effort: insider information, solicitous compliments, invitations to exclusive parties. It was also a window on the governor's attack strategy ahead of an expected Nov. 8 special election.

Not surprising at all to hear about this since Gov. Schwarzenegger uses projection as a major modus operandi but what was really cool was that LAT actually put this on the front page of their paper.

Thank you, LAT, and kisses to the anonymous major donor who let us in on how it all works.

While the rich people have their own special number, the rest of us will have to suffice contacting the Governor the regular way:

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841
Fax: 916-445-4633

Be forewarned that his staff can been hostile to the real people of California. Be prepared to stand strong: Californians, let them know you have a message to give to the (rich) People's Governor.