While We've Got You Here...

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Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger taped an hour-long forum this morning for Spanish language Univision, a discussion that veered into some of the issues--and complaints-- that Latino voters have had with the man in the corner office.

While there was discussion of some of the initiatives on the special election ballot (with very little different from the Walnut Creek event), there were many pointed questions about Schwarzenegger's relationship... or lack thereof... with Latinos in California. One recent polls found the governor's job approval ratings among Latinos at a dismal 17%.

It was no surprise that the issue of driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants came up. The governor attempted to broaden the discussion into one of illegal immigration in general, and maintained that it's an issue for the feds to deal with.

"It's not for the governor to decide. It's for the president, for Senate, Congress, for them to decide how to deal with that issue," he said.

Schwarzenegger also made it clear his opposition to amnesty for those who are here illegally. He says it sends the wrong signal. "Let's create a guest worker program," said Schwarzenegger. "Let's do it in a legal way."

The governor was also critiqued for the number of Latino judges he has appointed. "Any great names that you have, may I remind you, please present [them] to us," said the governor.

The questioner, however, followed up by saying that the National Council of La Raza has already submitted names, none of which have been accepted.

"I'm not the one doing the beginning stages of picking the judges and all this stuff," Schwarzenegger replied. "I have experts doing that. But I will look into that."

Democrats complained that there was no role for opponents in the forum, and blamed that on Univision CEO Jerry Perenchio, a major Schwarzenegger donor.

Later this week, the governor is headed to Fresno... with speculation that the Democrat's perspective at the forum will be offered by the area's former assemblymember, Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante.

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About John Myers

John Myers is Sacramento Bureau Chief for KQED Public Radio and "The California Report," heard daily on 23 public radio stations across the Golden State.

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