Unions Launch Ad Campaign
A coalition of labor unions on Tuesday will launch statewide television advertisements that criticize Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) for accepting donations from drug makers and other groups, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Gale Kaufman -- a Democratic campaign strategist working for the coalition, called the Alliance for a Better California -- said the group includes the:
- California Correctional Peace Officers Association;
- California Teachers Association; and
- Service Employees International Union.
The ad then features a firefighter and teacher saying that Schwarzenegger has accepted more than $100 million from pharmaceutical firms, oil companies and other special interest groups.
In addition, the ad includes footage from a women's conference where nurses protested the governor's appearance. Referring to special interest groups, Schwarzenegger at the conference said, "I'm always kicking their butts. That's why they don't like me."
The ad then features a nurse saying, "No, governor -- it's because we don't trust you."
Under state law, the ads cannot be coordinated with the campaign for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides, lest they be subject to state limits on campaign contributions. Running an ad statewide could cost as much as $2.5 million weekly during the current season (Finnegan/Morain, Los Angeles Times, 9/26). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.