The Schwarzenegger-Romney summit

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has made high-profile, public appearances with U.S. Sen. John McCain and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani in recent months, praising them both. The other major Republican candidate - the one who has raised the most money in California among the GOP - received a private meeting with the governor outside the media glare yesterday.

Times staff writer Dan Morain, a Political Muscle special correspondent, headed over to the Hyatt Hotel in Sacramento for a fundraiser being held by former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. He reports:

"Romney, lagging in the polls but the front-runner in the money race among Republican presidential candidates, brought his fund-raising machine to Sacramento, attracting 300 donors to the downtown Hyatt Tuesday evening. They paid $1,000-$2,300 for the privilege.

"Romney and Schwarzenegger met privately for about 45 minutes before the main event. The governor has made no endorsement, but meets with candidates as they come through town - one of the points of having an early primary.

"Former California Republican Party Chair Duf Sundheim was among those who attended, but said he had not chosen sides. Consultant Rob Stutzman, Schwarzenegger's former communications director, chatted with one of Romney's political aides, but also said he is non-aligned.

"In brief remarks to reporters before heading off to meet with donors, Romney said his talk with Schwarzenegger focused on policy, not presidential politics. Romney mentioned the need to make the U.S. energy self-sufficient and improve the environment.     Noticeably affected by Sacramento's pollen-laden springtime air, Romney also noted he was having a hay fever attack."

People shouldn't discount Romney just because he's lower in the polls right now. Political donations, too, are an important indication of political strength. And Romney's conservative portfolio appears more aligned with California primary voters than those of his competitors. Does it matter which candidate Schwarzenegger likes in the presidential race? Peter Nicholas reports today: a little, but mainly to Schwarzenegger.

(Photo:  Keith Srakocic/AP)