2008 Woodie Awards
Arnold gets out the Vote
Governor visits Bakersfield to rally support for measures
Ian Hamilton
Issue date: 3/5/04 Section: News
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In hopes of rallying support for Propositions 57 and 58, Schwarzenegger returned to Valley Plaza on Saturday, after appearing there last year to gain votes in the recall election. (Election information and results here.)
"You people are voting and you people are taking the credit cards away from the politicians so they never ever spend more money than the state takes in," Schwarzenegger said.
Some people waited four hours to see Schwarzenegger, and even though he arrived 40 minutes late and only spoke for about six minutes, the enthusiastic crowd still cheered him on. Some walked away with autographs.
One autograph holder, Brenda VanDorfy, was asked how she intended to vote.
"Just like Arnold told me to, vote yes," she responded.
Prior to the governor's arrival, state and local politicians ranging from Mayor Harvey Hall to State Controller Steve Westly spoke on behalf of the two propositions. Rock music played as organizers encouraged the crowd by throwing free T-shirts into the audience. As people became impatient for Schwarzenegger to show up, the crowd began to chant, "We want Arnold!" To calm them down, more T-shirts were thrown.
Minutes before his speech, supporters were led onto the stage wearing shirts promoting the measures, in time for a media photo op with the governor.
Schwarzennegger maintained that the passage of the measures are a must to get California out of its economic problems.
"It is absolutely necessary that they pass, then we will get out of our hole," Schwarzenegger said.