Schwarzenegger Considers Health Net Executive for Chief of Staff

Gov.-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) is considering selecting Patricia Clarey, vice president for government affairs at HMO Health Net, as his chief of staff, the Los Angeles Times reports. According to sources who asked not to be identified, top advisers to Schwarzenegger are asking that he appoint Clarey, a deputy to former Gov. Pete Wilson's (R) chief of staff. Clarey also has worked in the White House under former presidents Reagan and Bush before joining Health Net, the state's third-largest HMO. According to the Times, the chief of staff is the "key appointed official" in any California gubernatorial administration because that person plays a "major role" in appointing other important government officials. Senate Minority Leader Jim Brulte (R-Rancho Cucamonga) said, "Pat Clarey is an incredibly talented executive and would bring a tremendous skill set to the day-to-day management of the governor's office and state government." However, Jamie Court, president of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, said, "If the governor-elect chooses a chief of staff from one of the worst HMOs in the business, he is sending a signal that special interests are running the show" (Morain, Los Angeles Times, 10/21).