Arnold is raising big bucks for GOP candidates in California. "In a way, Schwarzenegger’s fund-raising success affirms fears that legislative Democrats have held since he was elected last October: that his movie star popularity would put them at a tremendous disadvantage with voters in their districts. It helps explain why they have largely been on their heels since Schwarzenegger took office, handing him several legislative victories and seeking to appear cooperative with him at every opportunity.

Republican operatives say Schwarzenegger is presenting them with the best opportunity in years to gain control of the Assembly, where they would need to pick up nine seats, and close the gap in the Senate, where they are down 10 seats."