Why Ain't Schwarzenegger Got No Environmental Coattails in his Party?

Despite lots of lip service and some actual action from the titular head of the party, Republicans in the California Legislature continue to vote in lock-step against pro-environment measures. Leading me to wonder, why doesn't Schwarzenegger have any followers in his own party?

Two recent examples of Republican legislative insanity:

1) in the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee last week, amidst a huge scandal at the state Air Resources Board, Committee member Senator Tom Harman (R-Costa Mesa) praised AB 233 by Assemblymember Dave Jones which would require the California Air Resources Board (ARB) to develop and adopt a comprehensive plan for the enforcement of ARB's diesel emission control regulations and increase penalties for violations of idling restrictions. He made a lengthy statement about the need for these improvements and for cleaner air. He then proceeded to vote "No" on the measure. Fortunately there were enough Democrats on the committee to pass the measure without his vote.

2) Assemblyman Cameron Smyth (R-Glendale) whose official bio brags that he is "the Vice Chair of the important Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee" routinely praises pro-environmental legislation that comes before the committee. He talks openly about the need for protecting the environment and then he proceeds to vote "no" or "stay off" the same legislation. "Stay off" is Capitol-speak for failing to vote, the effect of which is the same as a no vote on the legislation whether in committee or on the floor.

Having lived in the northeast part of this country for a time, I have compassion for the assemblymember. Mr. Cameron Smyth, dear, I wish to inform you that there are parts of New York state in which you can play tennis, drink cocktails at the club, and vote for the environment to your hearts' content all the while retaining your safe Republican assembly seat (note: you must continue to rail against public employee unions no matter what).

But as to Mr. Harman and the rest of the California Republicans: take a freakin' clue, people! Your constituents want to breath clean air, drink clean water and have their children play on non toxic play equipment. Some of them may even want to see an animal or tree once in a while, to shoot it if nothing else. You're term limited. You'll be out of a job soon. You have hardly a prayer of getting elected statewide with your voting record on the environment (to say nothing of health care). Why not grab the political cover of your party's only popular and dynamic figure and watch his back in the legislature then ride it to victory statewide?

And, Ah-nold? Why not back a slate of pro-environment candidates against these jokers in the next primary? They do nothing for you!