DATE=10/09/03

TYPE=U-S OPINION ROUNDUP

NAME=SCHWARZENEGGER'S VICTORY

NUMBER=6-130122

BYLINE=ANDREW GUTHRIE

DATELINE=Washington

EDITOR=Assignments

TELEPHONE=619-3335

CONTENT=

INTRO: The most popular editorial topic in the U-S press this week is actor Arnold Schwarzenegger's overwhelming victory in the California recall election. V-O-A's ___________ presents us with a sampling now in today's U-S Opinion Roundup.

TEXT: Austrian-born body-builder Arnold Schwarzenegger is best known in the United States as an action motion star. But the reaction to his election as governor of California on the same ballot that recalled Governor Gray Davis from office is exceeding any publicity his movies ever got. We begin in California, where San Francisco's Chronicle is worried that the recall genie may be released from its bottle.

VOICE: While there is no question about the legitimacy of [Mr.] Schwarzenegger's election, this bizarre and frenetic campaign has shown the need to reform the century-old recall process. … it should take more than 65 signatures and a 35-hundred dollar filing fee to get one's name on the ballot. … [Also] some disgruntled Democrats are making rumbles about exploiting this flawed system to unseat [Mr.] Schwarzenegger. … The last thing this state needs is a cycle of recall retribution.

TEXT: Again in California, San Diego's Union-Tribune is hopeful the new governor will be able to handle the state's serious problems.

VOICE: the election of outsider Arnold Schwarzenegger … offers an opportunity for a fresh start in [the capital of] Sacramento, provided legislators of both parties are willing to put aside long-standing partisan differences for the good of California. The initial reaction … is encouraging.

TEXT: The national USA Today, published in a Washington, D-C suburb, continues to focus on allegations about the governor-elect's boorish sexual behavior toward women.

VOICE: …just because exit polls indicate [Mr.] Schwarzenegger didn't have a problem attracting female voters doesn't mean his women problems will disappear once he's in … office. The personal behavior of political leaders matters. … disturbing questions about past conduct don't evaporate over time.

TEXT: In Boston, the Globe is concerned about the portents of the recall elsewhere in the nation.

VOICE: By validating the … process, voters have encouraged others in the 18 states where it is permitted … Recalls could reverse [political stability]…

TEXT: Pennsylvania's Allentown Morning Call adds that "Only superhuman political strength can change California's ways…" while Seattle's [Washington] Post-Intelligencer suggests: "This turn to direct democracy -- be it … recall or … ballot initiative -- is a symptom of a breach in the social contract between citizens and elective government.

Seattle's [Washington] Times suggests: "Outside California, the election … is inexplicable and bizarre. The paper writes:

VOICE: To Californians, electing a bodybuilder-turned-actor and now politician makes all the sense in the world. … Californians feel better knowing someone strong -- and above all else, different -- will take a stab at ["attempt to solve"] the problems.

TEXT: With that comment from the Seattle Times, we conclude this editorial sampling of reaction to Arnold Schwarzenegger's election victory in California.

NEB/ANG/KL