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Who Should Pay If Special Election Is Called?
Republican Leader Says He Has 'No Problem Spending Money On Democracy'
May 19, 2005

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Who should pay for a special election this fall in California? That question is at the heart of a growing political dispute that took a new turn at the state Capitol Wednesday.

Democratic leaders in the Assembly took Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to task Wednesday, condemning his threat to call a special election as a waste of $80 million.

"I would like the governor to give us some answers as to where he's going to find this money," said Assemblywoman Noreen Evans, D-Santa Rosa.

"I think it's a misuse of the special election process. I think it's a waste of taxpayer money. Special elections are supposed to be used for emergencies," said Assembly majority leader Dario Frommer.

Schwarzenegger has repeatedly threatened to call the election if he can't reach a deal on his redistricting, teacher tenure and spending proposals.

Assembly Republican leader Kevin McCarthy said he has "no problem spending money on democracy."

Secretary of State Bruce McPherson has told the governor he believes the counties should not have to pay the bill.

"I think it's a statewide election, literally, being called. I think the state should cover the cost," McPherson said.

There is a precedent for reimbursement. When then-Gov. Pete Wilson called a special election in 1993, he sponsored legislation requiring the state to reimburse the counties.

But the governor's office won't answer the question of whether the state should pay, suggesting the Democrats are forcing the governor to call the election.

"What other way could you interpret it if they are immediately going into, 'How are you going to pay for this special election that the governor hasn't called?'" asked Schwarzenegger spokeswoman Margita Thompson.

Statewide special elections have been few and far between in California history. There have only been four of them since 1910. The most recent -- and probably the highest profile -- was in 2003, when California voters recalled Gov. Gray Davis.

Schwarzenegger has until June 13 to call the election if it is to be held on November 8.