At the December 12th
Lakers-Mavericks game, Arnold will be charging $10,000 to join him in a
sky-box seat to retire his campaign debt. (Talk about ticket scalping!)
ArnoldWatch thought we’d use the arena’s jumbo-tron to remind the
governor and his donors of Webster’s definition of special interest…
But, alas, the Lakers informed us that the usual 30 second $3,000
advertisement will not be available to ArnoldWatch at any price.
Why don’t they want ArnoldWatch’s business? Perhaps it’s because
Arnold’s fundraiser is being co-hosted by the Staples Center owner Tim
Leiweke — as well as supermarket magnate and big-time Democratic Party
Poubah Ron Burkle.
With room for 40 invitees, filling the skybox is sure to bring Arnold
at least $400K, but is likely to raise more than $800K (and it’s not
even the playoffs). The invitation reminds donors that they can give as
much as $21,200 (and that spouses and adult children can also match the
limit).
To make clear that "special interests" (according to Arnold’s
definition) are not welcome, the invitation specifically points out
that contributions from corporate PACs (political action committees)
are permissible, but public employee union funds will not be accepted.
For working people without 10 Gs to blow, here is a lower priced
alternative to have your message heard by the Governor. Buy a cheap
seat to the game, which will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, and
download and bring to the game ArnoldWatch’s special E.S.P.N. Poster.
