Schwarzenegger vetoes Iraq pullout vote

[ProSense]

Schwarzenegger vetoes Iraq pullout vote

34 minutes ago

SACRAMENTO - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation that would have allowed Californians to vote on an advisory measure calling for President Bush to immediately withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq.

The Republican governor said in a statement early Wednesday that a proposed ballot measure on the war would further divide Californians as they go to the polls in the Feb. 5 presidential primary.

"There is no louder message Californians can send to Washington on the Iraq war than who should lead our nation," Schwarzenegger said. "Placing a nonbinding resolution on Iraq on the same ballot, when it carries no weight or authority, would only further divide voters and shift attention from other critical issues that must be addressed."

Schwarzenegger had until midnight Tuesday to sign or veto the bill, which would have put the withdrawal question on California's Feb. 5 ballot.

Schwarzenegger has tried to steer a middle course on the issue, saying he supports the troops and the war on terror but also backs a "timetable for withdrawal."

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To quote Senator Boxer: "I ask you to take off your rosy glasses...We are sending our troops where they're not wanted, where there's no end in sight."

[Kolesar]

1. Sen. Boxer could use this against Schwarzenegger if A.S. runs against her for Senate

...when A.S. ends his "term" as Governor-usurper.

[lynnertic]

2. the only 'wedge issues' allowed are those that draw conservatives to the polls

a referendum on iraq would've guaranteed a high liberal turnout in the Feb election.

[Ian David]

3. Any chance of an over-ride? n/t