Schwarzenegger Selectively Trims GOP Statement

Here is what Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's office released last night under the headline, "What They Are Saying About the Governor's Health Care Proposal:"

"Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines Commends The Governor For 'Ambitious' Health Agenda. 'I commend Governor Schwarzenegger for proposing an ambitious health care reform agenda, and look forward to debating the proposals as we work toward achieving consensus on health care solutions that make sense for California's future. We are pleased the Governor has embraced free market reforms like health savings accounts, which will make coverage more affordable for workers and small business owners. His plan to increase the Medi-Cal provider rate will improve accessibility to health care, especially for rural Californians.' (Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines, Press Release, 'Statement By Assembly Republican Leader On Governor's Health Care Proposal.')"

Here is a paragraph Schwarzenegger left out from Villines' actual press release:

"Imposing a new jobs tax on employers of any size and expanding costly government mandates is the wrong approach, one which will devastate our economy.  We continue to agree with the Governor’s statements in 2004 when he argued that a new jobs tax will be a job killer and force many businesses to lay off workers, move out of state or close their doors for good."

(Photo: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)