Democrats counter Arnold

The Democrats have finally responded to Arnold's budget proposals by painting them as ultraconservative and linked with Washington think tanks rather than California's best interests:

Legislators mapped out their strategy to resist Schwarzenegger, putting him on notice that they will be presenting their own budget plan after a series of hearings with middle-class taxpayers across the state. The offensive began after several days of inertia from the Democrats, who seemed to be caught flat-footed by the ambitious agenda Schwarzenegger laid out early last week to close California's $8.6-billion budget gap.

But Democratic leaders say they were stirred to act after the governor's remarks this week that state government is a monster that needs to be starved.

Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez (D-Los Angeles) seized on the comments to raise doubts about whether the governor's policies reflect the values of California voters.

He said the administration is pushing for a spending plan "crafted in backrooms with the fingerprints of ideologues and corporate interests all over it."

"I am disappointed about the shortsightedness of a budget that slights our future prosperity and attacks middle-class values," he said, calling it "a budget built on ideas from right-wing think tanks in Washington, D.C., rather than one that reflects the priorities of California families."

Administration officials scoffed at the comments.

If this were someone other than Arnold, I would think it would have a shot at working. However, since nothing has really stuck to the guy up until now, I'm not sure this is the proper course to take. Most of this depends on what the Democrats managed to propose in their up coming budget. If it's smarter and easily sold, then this whole tact has a shot at weakening Arnold in time for the next election.