The ins and outs of state politics

Re “Governor Straddles Political Divide,” Aug. 21

If the Democrats want to show the real Arnold Schwarzenegger, all they need to do is show the clip from the Republican National Convention in which he says he became a Republican because of Richard Nixon.

That might sit well with his mentor, Pete Wilson, and the conservative right, but it would let the rest of us know the real Arnold.

JACK SEIDMAN

Long Beach

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Re “Gov. Tries to Calm GOP Anger,” Aug. 20

In urging opposition to the transportation bond (Proposition 1B) on the November ballot, anti-tax advocate Tom Hudson argues that the Democrats who control the Legislature can’t be trusted to spend the construction money wisely.

Hudson is quoted as saying: “We are giving them a giant blank check, and I guarantee you that’s not going to work out well if you live in a Republican’s district.”

In fact, the Legislature will not decide how the money is spent -- that will be done by the California Transportation Commission (whose members are appointed by the governor) and local transportation commissions (such as the MTA).

The one project that is earmarked in the bond is $1 billion for the 99 Freeway, which mostly runs through Republican districts and is in dreadful condition from decades of heavy truck traffic.

I hope the voters will take more care than Hudson and actually read the measure before deciding how to vote.

DANA GABBARD

Executive Secretary

Southern California

Transit Advocates

Los Angeles

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Re “Hearing Rumbles From the Right,” Aug. 18

Our governor has already captured the center and feels that he needs the right to cement his victory. However, his maneuvers toward the right are outright dishonest. Voters would respect a politician who would stand up for his convictions against pressure groups telling him otherwise.

Unfortunately, Schwarzenegger has to fake a social conservative face to differentiate himself from Treasurer [and challenger] Phil Angelides.

MATT MUNSON

Ontario