Where in the World is Arnold Schwarzenegger?

Sing it in the melody of the theme song from "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?".

The answer is not at the budget negotiating table. It also can be England, France and Austria. Arnold has been on an Europe tour, while the budget is being hammered out. I guess meeting with Blair, just before he stepped down and visiting friends in Austria was more important. When he first took off the legislative leaders seemed to not mind, but now that the negotiations have ground to a halt, his absences is slowing things down. SacBee:

Both Perata, D-Oakland, and Ackerman, R-Irvine, said they prefer to negotiate without Schwarzenegger until late in the process, and have not asked for his help. Before the governor left for Europe late Saturday, Perata told Schwarzenegger that his presence at budget meetings was unnecessary, though the Senate leader now believes lawmakers are at an impasse and need the governor.

"It's worked in the past," Perata said of the governor's strategy. "I think this year he's going to have to come in and lift a little more because we are quite a bit apart. The only way we're going to close that gap is by having the governor force that gap to be closed."

With Arnold's absence, it is increasingly likely that we will not make the July 1st deadline. Assemblyman De La Torre, a budget subcommittee chairman is correct:

"I think going off on a little road trip to Europe doesn't send the best message in regard to engagement on the budget," said De La Torre. "Even if you were to believe the 'Big Four' could bring things to a close in short order, he'd need to be there to close the deal."

Until Arnold get's back (I won't say home, since he doesn't actually live in Sacto), it is unlikely that the gaps will be closed. He is getting plenty of headlines, but our state government is languishing in his absence.