Schwarzenegger makes ethics group’s worst governors list

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

The nonprofit Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington Wednesday morning released its report on ‘the nation’s most incompetent and unethical governors.’ Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was ranked No. 11.

The group’s report is mostly a compilation of newspaper investigative reports on the governor’s various activities while in office. After reading the clips, the organization concluded that Schwarzenegger uses ‘nonprofit and campaign funds for personal benefit,’ has ‘cozy relationships with special interests’ and ‘created conflicts of interest by accepting a consulting position and doing state business with a company staffed by his former campaign aides.’

Administration officials were dismissive of the report and cited a 2008 article in the political newspaper Roll Call that questioned whether CREW is a liberal front group.

‘The only thing more surprising than an insignificant and unheard of liberal attack group not liking the governor is the fact you’re actually writing on it,’ said Aaron McLear, Schwarzenegger’s spokesman.

[Update 11:32 p.m.:] CREW reports that Schwarzenegger was not given a specific ranking among the 11 ‘worst governors.’ The names were listed alphabetically.

-- Evan Halper in Sacramento