Revisiting the California special elections one week later - 11/14/05

Submitted by Jesse Russell on November 13, 2005 - 5:53pm
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By Jesse Russell and Leilani Albano

A week has passed since the resounding election day victory for foes of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. WIN contributor Leilani Albano revisits the election and finds out what went right for organized labor.

[Albano starts]:

The voters’ overwhelming rejection of the ballot proposals has shattered the image of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was once considered to be the state’s most popular leader.

Kent Wong, executive director of the UCLA Labor Center, he says LA unions organized an impressive campaign against the initiatives:

[Wong] When you have a governor that is being backed by corporate interests, by the wealthy, by the elite - that sent a very clear message that the governor's initiatives weren't really for working people.

Following the Special elections debacle, Schwarzenegger says he aims to work closer with California's Democrats. However, labor is less conciliatory towards the governor. Says registered nurse and CNA member, Eva Buen Consejo…

(25 seconds)

[Consejo]: I am very relieved but at the same time, I feel like we still have to be vigilant about it, because the governor tried to subvert the democratic process…