Arnold looks to distance initiatives, self

Arnold's campaign has asked TV stations to pull campaign ads that feature him directly appealing to the people of California to vote for his initiatives:

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger asked TV stations Friday to remove ads that feature him making a personal appeal to California voters — an acknowledgment, analysts said, that one of the world's most recognized figures has become a weak salesman for his own agenda.

An avid pitchman his entire adult life — selling everything from gym bags to action movies — Schwarzenegger nevertheless now will rely on "ordinary" supporters to promote his four Nov. 8 ballot initiatives in ads, his campaign said.

The remaining ads do not feature the governor or even mention his name. Instead, they include teachers and others asking people to "change California" and vote for the initiatives he backs.

Some internal polling must tell them they're in trouble, and it must hint that Arnold is to blame.