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Did Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger mean to hide a message in this note?

(CNN) - Was Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's message to state lawmakers unhappy - or obscene?

That's the current debate in California after the governor sent a letter directed to "Members of the California State Assembly" that appeared to have a subtle but pointed message hidden within the text.

The seven-line note in which the California Republican blasts the legislature for not advancing his administration's proposals on a host of issues appears innocuous enough at first glance.

But upon closer examination, the first letter of every line collectively spells 'f**k you'.

A spokesman for Schwarzenegger said the governor had no intent of hiding the message within his note, calling it a mere "coincidence."

–CNN's Carey Bodenheimer contributed to this story.

One of the Republicans hoping to succeed California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger next year is claiming that the governor violated the state constitution

(CNN) - One of the Republicans hoping to succeed California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger next year is claiming that the governor violated the state constitution by signing a bill recognizing out-of-state same-sex marriages.

Former Rep. Tom Campbell supports same-sex marriage and disagreed with the successful ballot initiative, Proposition 8, that put in place a constitutional ban on such marriages in the state.

But he opposes elements of the bill Schwarzenegger signed on Sunday, SB 54, which recognizes same-sex marriages performed in states other than California before November 5, 2008, when voters approved Proposition 8.

In an e-mail to CNN, Campbell wrote that the ban on same-sex marriage can only be modified by amending the constitution, as Californians voted to do last year. Schwarzenegger's action, he argued, "constitutes an unconstitutional attempt to do this by legislation."

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When it comes to his current approval rating as governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger is no blockbuster.

(CNN) - He used to get big numbers at the box office, but when it comes to his current approval rating as governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger is no blockbuster.

A new poll suggests that just over one in four California voters approves of the job Schwarzenegger is doing as governor of the Golden State, his lowest rating ever.

Twenty-seven percent of people questioned in a Field Poll released Tuesday morning give Schwarzenegger a thumbs-up, the first time in his nearly six years as governor that his approval rating has dropped below 30 percent. The survey also indicates that nearly two out of three voters, 65 percent, disapprove of Schwarzenegger's performance as California governor.

The moderate Republican is term-limited, and cannot run for re-election next year.

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Schwarzenegger: Treat Polanski 'like everyone else'.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told CNN on Thursday that he thinks filmmaker Roman Polanski, who was arrested in Switzerland last weekend for having sex with a 13-year-old girl, should not get special treatment because of his celebrity status.

As some in Hollywood rally to Polanski's defense, the movie star-turned-Republican governor said he wouldn't promise the director a pardon if he gets extradited to the United States and re-enters California's legal system. He said that he would "not treat (Polanski's) situation any differently than everyone else's."

"It doesn't matter if you are a big-time movie actor or a big-time movie director or producer," Schwarzenegger told CNN's Wolf Blitzer. "I think that he is a very respected person, and I am a big admirer of his work. But nevertheless, I think he should be treated like everyone else."

Schwarzenegger: Treat Polanski 'like everyone else'.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told CNN on Thursday that he thinks filmmaker Roman Polanski, who was arrested in Switzerland last weekend for having sex with a 13-year-old girl, should not get special treatment because of his celebrity status.

As some in Hollywood rally to Polanski's defense, the movie star-turned-Republican governor said he wouldn't promise the director a pardon if he gets extradited to the United States and re-enters California's legal system. He said that he would "not treat (Polanski's) situation any differently than everyone else's."

"It doesn't matter if you are a big-time movie actor or a big-time movie director or producer," Schwarzenegger told CNN's Wolf Blitzer. "I think that he is a very respected person, and I am a big admirer of his work. But nevertheless, I think he should be treated like everyone else."

Schwarzenegger announced a major plan Monday to eliminate California's $26 billion deficit, with state agencies looking at billions of dollars in cuts as part of the plan.

On Tuesday, the Hollywood actor turned governor posted a video, in which he handles a 2-foot-long knife before thanking Californians for providing him with creative ideas for slashing the budget.

By Wednesday, critics had emerged, some wondering how Schwarzenegger could post a lighthearted video about a proposed budget plan that could slash services for needy people.

The governor addressed the critics at a news conference, saying that though the budget process was tough he had not lost his sense of humor.

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Voters defeated Schwarzenegger's budget proposals .

(CNN) - California's governor said he would meet with state leaders Wednesday after voters panned a handful of ballot measures designed to pull the state out of a deepening budget crisis.

Californians voted down five of the six propositions in a special election Tuesday. More than 60 percent of voters shot down each measure, according to final tallies Wednesday.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger had said that, if the propositions failed, he would have to make drastic cuts to education and health care, and would probably free many inmates from the state prison system.

With all six measures defeated, the deficit would surge to $21.3 billion, Schwarzenegger's office said last week. Even if all the measures passed, the deficit would hit $15.4 billion at the start of the new fiscal year in July.

Schwarzenegger spoke about the apparent defeat late Tuesday.

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Thirteen states, including California, have legalized Marijuana for medicinal use but not for personal use.

(CNN) – He has made it clear that he is still against legalizing marijuana for recreational use, but California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Tuesday that it is time for California to welcome discussions on the issue.

"I think it is time for debate and I think we ought to study very carefully what other countries are doing that have legalized marijuana and other drugs, what affect it had on those countries, and are they happy with that decision," the governor said.

Schwarzenegger, who was once shown smoking pot in the film 'Pumping Iron,' also said that it is time to consider all sides of the issue.

"I want to look at all that. It could very well be that everyone is happy with the decision and then we can look at that. If not, then we shouldn't do it. Just because of raising revenues, we have to be careful not to make mistakes at the same time," the governor said.

Some suggest that legalizing Marijuana could help the state's ailing economy.

Thirteen states, including California, have legalized Marijuana for medicinal use but not for personal use.

After Gov. Schwarzenegger spoke at a rally to raise awareness at California's water crisis, fellow Republican Rep. Devin Nunes said the governor should resign.

(CNN) – A fellow Republican is calling on California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to resign because of a water crisis in the state's San Joaquin Valley.

"When a government can't provide the people access to a reliable supply of water, it has failed," Rep. Devin Nunes said in a statement Friday. "This government has utterly failed and Governor Schwarzenegger should resign from office," Nunes, who represents California 21st congressional district, also said.

Schwarzenegger's office shot back, saying that the governor is working with California Sen. Dianne Feinstein to try to solve the state's water problems. "Congressman Nunes' attempt to grab headlines with finger pointing will not solve this problem and will only lead to the same gridlock that has paralyzed the water debate in this state for the last 50 years," Schwarzenegger spokesperson Matt David said in a statement e-mailed to CNN. "We encourage Congressman Nunes to be part of the solution as opposed to part of the problem."

Drought conditions in California have forced the state's farmers to abandon or not plant more than 100,000 acres of agricultural land, Schwarzenegger's office said in a separate statement also issued Friday. The office also estimates that losses in agricultural revenue could reach $477 million in 2009.

Dates have been set for a special election to replace Labor Secretary Hilda Solis.

(CNN) – California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Tuesday that a special election to fill Labor Secretary Hilda Solis’ vacant House seat will take place on July 14.

Schwarzenegger also announced that the special primary election will be held on May 19.

Solis represented a district in Los Angeles County before being confirmed as President Obama’s secretary of Labor.

Gov. Schwarzenegger is a fan of the stimulus measure.

(CNN) - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Sunday declared President Obama's stimulus plan is "terrific," an assessment that sharply differs from many of his Republican colleagues.

In an appearance on CNN's State of the Union, Schwarzenegger said he welcomes his state's share of the massive $787 billion package, believing it could create as many as 400,000 new jobs.

"We welcome this economic stimulus package. I think it's terrific and will help us," the California governor said. "We were happy even though there's…people complaining. It's not what they envisioned, but what is? The people will give you 1,000 different answers.

"It was Obama that got elected. He put the package together, so let's support it," he also said.

Schwarzenegger's comments differ sharply from those of Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, who earlier on State of the Union said he would turn down some of the stimulus money because it could lead to future spending requirements from his state.

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Schwarzenegger said the mix of tax hikes and budget cuts will have 'a positive impact' for California.

(CNN) – California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is praising his state's budget deal. The agreement, reached earlier today, ended a marathon battle over a bill that raises taxes, cuts spending and helps close the state's $42 billion deficit.

"This is a historic budget, and not only did they pass a great budget but also a great reform package," Schwarzenegger said, soon after the Democratic-controlled state Senate and Assembly passed the budget. "There's budget reform, and then primary reform, education reform, so there's all kind of great things that will have a tremendous impact, a positive impact on the state of California,"

But what does the agreement mean for Schwarzenegger himself, whose approval ratings in California have been stuck in the upper 30 to mid-40 percent range for the past year?

"There's a lot of pain in this budget deal, spending cuts, tax increases," CNN senior political analyst Bill Schneider said. "I'm not sure Californians will greet it with celebration."

Schwarzenegger has experienced major swings in popularity during his tenure. His approval rating was in the 50s and 60s his first year and a half in office, but plummeted in mid-2005 after he engaged in a series of battles with California Democratic lawmakers, and backed a series of referendums that failed at the ballot box that November.

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Gov. Schwarzenegger praised California lawmakers for resolving the budget impasse in the legislature.

(CNN) - California lawmakers in Sacramento passed the state's budget - closing a $42 billion deficit - early Thursday, and it now awaits the signature of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who hailed the lawmakers.

The budget package includes tax increases, spending cuts and borrowing to close the deficit.

It was first approved by the state Senate during a grueling overnight session after lawmakers there agreed to demands from a holdout Republican senator. It was then passed speedily by the Assembly.

"I am extremely proud of the members of the legislature, both Republicans and Democrats, who had the courage to stand up and put the needs of Californians first," Schwarzenegger said in a statement.

"Rather than approaching this unprecedented crisis with gimmicks and temporary solutions, we took the difficult but responsible steps to address our entire $42 billion budget deficit and pass historic bipartisan reform measures."

Schwarzenegger said he was pleased that the legislature that his budget proposal served as a blueprint for this spending plan, which included "spending reductions, revenue increases, economic stimulus and government efficiency."

"This is a very difficult budget, but we have turned this crisis into an opportunity to make real, lasting reforms for California."

There had been a stalemate over budget, and it caused Schwarzenegger to declare a fiscal emergency and send layoff notices to 10,000 state workers.

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Former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich has some advice to California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – While President-elect Barack Obama talks about reforming the federal government by bringing change to Washington, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is looking to the nation’s capital for advice on how to shake up Sacramento.

More specifically, the governor’s senior aides recently turned to former House Speaker Newt Gingrich for input on how to enact political reforms and make the government run more efficiently, Schwarzenegger communications director Matt David tells CNN.

David said the discussion between Gingrich and Schwarzenegger chief of staff Susan Kennedy did not focus on the current deadlock over the California state budget, but rather the governor’s goal of creating a more efficient state government that could include “consolidating some agencies and getting rid of overtime and sick time abuse.”

“Since his first day in office, the governor has been looking at ways to reform the political system in Sacramento, to make it more accountable and to also make government more efficient to save taxpayer dollars,” he said.

David, who got to know Gingrich during his work at the conservative group Freedoms Watch, reached out to the former House speaker to ask for suggestions and ideas on the issue of reform.

With the Republican Party searching for a unifying theme, could political reform and smaller government be the GOP rallying cry in 2010? Lacking a natural national leader right now, will Schwarzenegger and/or Gingrich fill that role?

President-elect Obama called California's governor and the mayor of Los Angeles to express concern about the wildfires raging in Southern California.

(CNN) – The man once referred to by a rival campaign as “the biggest celebrity in the world” has intentionally been keeping a very low profile in the awkward limbo period between Election Day and his inauguration on January 20.

But on Monday President-Elect Barack Obama stepped out a little and acted decidedly presidential in the middle of a disaster in California.

Obama called Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and L.A. Mayor Antonio Villraigosa “to express his concern over the wildfires and to receive an update on the situation,” according to a statement released by the Obama transition team Monday.

In the nearly two weeks since Election Day, Obama has taken great pains to make it clear that President Bush remains in charge of the country and its affairs until Obama’s swearing in two months. At his first press conference as president-elect, Obama stressed that the country only has one president at a time and, Obama did not participate in the recent economic summit of world leaders convened to discuss a coordinated response to the financial crisis that has roiled global securities and credit markets.

Update 3:15 p.m.: The Web site of President-elect Obama's presidential campaign, barackobama.com, was altered after Obama's calls to Gov. Schwarzenegger and Mayor Villaraigosa in order to encourage visitors to the site to donate to relief efforts for the victims of the Southern California wildfires. Click here to read a blog post on the Web site.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says his wife has been 'gloating' about Barack Obama's win.

(CNN) - Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said that even though his party didn’t win the presidential election, he has at least one thing to be happy about.

“I can get back into the bedroom, so there's the big advantage,” the California governor said Sunday on CNN’s “Late Edition.”

Schwarzenegger, a leading Republican, is married to Maria Shriver, a member of the very Democratic Kennedy clan.

Shriver endorsed Barack Obama in February, just days after her husband announced his support of John McCain.

Schwarzenegger said his wife has been “gloating now for these last few days” and running around the house with a life-size cutout of Obama saying, “We won.”

WATCH what Schwarzenegger says about the election

Striking a more serious tone, Schwarzenegger said he doesn’t see how any incumbent party could have held onto power this year, given the economic situation and the housing crisis.

“I think no one knew that it's going to be that bad. I think the Republicans were trying to hold on to, you know, if it would have been just the housing crisis or the mortgage crisis. But then when the stock market crash came, I think it was just too much,” he said.

Looking to the future, Schwarzenegger said that Democrats and Republicans should come together and avoid getting stuck in ideology.

“Democrats and Republicans should do everything they can to help [Obama] and his administration to be successful, because when he is successful … then the nation is successful. And then the world is successful. So, we've all got to work together on this,” he said.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says his wife has been 'gloating' about Barack Obama's win.

(CNN) - Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said that even though his party didn’t win the presidential election, he has at least one thing to be happy about.

“I can get back into the bedroom, so there's the big advantage,” the California governor said Sunday on CNN’s “Late Edition.”

Schwarzenegger, a leading Republican, is married to Maria Shriver, a member of the very Democratic Kennedy clan.

Shriver endorsed Barack Obama in February, just days after her husband announced his support of John McCain.

Schwarzenegger said his wife has been “gloating now for these last few days” and running around the house with a life-size cutout of Obama saying, “We won.”

Striking a more serious tone, Schwarzenegger said he doesn’t see how any incumbent party could have held onto power this year, given the economic situation and the housing crisis.

“I think no one knew that it's going to be that bad. I think the Republicans were trying to hold on to, you know, if it would have been just the housing crisis or the mortgage crisis. But then when the stock market crash came, I think it was just too much,” he said.

Looking to the future, Schwarzenegger said that Democrats and Republicans should come together and avoid getting stuck in ideology.

“Democrats and Republicans should do everything they can to help [Obama] and his administration to be successful, because when he is successful … then the nation is successful. And then the world is successful. So, we've all got to work together on this,” he said.

Gov. Schwarzenegger said he would consider a cabinet position if Obama offered one.

(CNN)—California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who endorsed John McCain’s presidential run before his state’s February primary, said Sunday he would consider accepting an energy-related cabinet position from Democrat Barack Obama if the offer were extended.

“I’m always ready to help in anyway I can,” the California Republican told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, describing himself as a committed public servant. “I’d take his call now, and I’d take his call when he’s president anytime.”

The former box office star-turned-politician said he is through with his days acting and body building, and plans to travel the world promoting energy independence after leaving the governor’s mansion, whether or not he joins the next administration.

California, a predominantly Democratic state, is thought by some analysts to be somewhat of a long-shot for McCain in November. But Schwarzenegger encouraged the presumptive Republican nominee to continue to campaigning, telling ABC that one in five California voters are swing or independent voters.

Schwarzenegger also defended Obama from recent accusations that he is shifting his positions since effectively claiming the Democratic nomination. “Flip-flopping is getting a bad rap,” said the California governor, adding that he expects both presumptive nominees to move toward the center now that the primaries have ended.

“As long as he’s honest or she’s honest, I think that [changing your mind] is a wonderful thing,” said Schwarzenegger. “I’ve changed my mind on things and it is nothing wrong with it, but I just say to the people I once thought this way now I think this way. End of story.”

Schwarzenegger is seeking to speed up the recovery process.

(CNN) – California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed an executive order to speed up the recovery process for victims of the wildfires that have scorched a large part of the state.

At a news conference in Big Sur on Wednesday, Schwarzenegger commended both the work of the firefighting crews and the 40 states providing support, but said relief efforts will need to continue long after the blazes are contained.

"Putting out the fires is only part of the battle - helping people put their lives back together is just as important," he said. "The cooperation has been fantastic and I am glad to see federal support because we are likely to face many more challenges in the months ahead."

Under the executive order, replacement fees for birth certificates, driver's licenses and other critical documents will be waived. In addition, the governor will ask the Franchise Tax Board and the State Board of Equalization to assist fire victims with filing tax extensions and obtaining relief from
late penalties and assessments.