SACRAMENTO, Calif. – When wealthy contributors write checks to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, they often get a few canapes and a drink – and a secret telephone number that grants them access to his closest advisers and even the governor himself.
Twice a month, donors become insider’s insiders, invited to participate in conference calls featuring information about Schwarzenegger campaign strategy that his political enemies would love to have. In turn, donors who dial in can give the governor advice.
In the latest such call, a few days ago, Schwarzenegger’s media expert, Don Sipple, outlined a strategy “based on a lot of polling,” he said, to create a “phenomenon of anger” among voters toward public employee unions. Firefighters, police officers, teachers and other state-paid workers have become the governor’s harshest critics this year.
The Thursday discussion, involving multiple contributors and three top Schwarzenegger strategists, offered a rare glimpse of the governor’s so-called “donor maintenance” effort – insider information, solicitous compliments, invitations to exclusive parties. It was also a window on the governor’s attack strategy ahead of an expected Nov. 8 special election.
The Los Angeles Times was given access to Thursday’s half-hour call through a participant.
Contributors to Schwarzenegger’s causes first are invited to join the calls via e-mail, which tells them how to get the private phone number and a password. The campaign staff decides which significant donors are included on the call. The discussions feature a so-called “special guest,” such as Sipple, talking about the governor’s plans, as well as information about fundraisers and a question-and-answer session.
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