Gov. Schwarzenegger: The Sequel?

Arnold Schwarzenegger won handily when he ran for governor the first time almost two years ago but, reports Hattie Kauffman, he seems to be facing longer odds in seeking a second term.

Schwarzenegger is expected to announce his bid for reelection Friday.

On Thursday, Kauffman notes, he signed legislation banning the sale of soda in schools, saying, "We are going to terminate obesity in California."

But, Kauffman observes, it's trimming the fat from state budgets that has angered labor unions, from teachers, to firefighters, to nurses.

"He attacked the nurses, he attacked widow's pensions, he attacked firefighters, he attacked teachers, and the California public has said 'No' to this governor," declares Roseanne Demoro, executive director of the California Nurses Association.

But Schwarzenegger, who inherited a massive budget deficit from his predecessor, Grey Davis, says he's got no choice but to make cuts. And he's taking his budget reforms to the people in a special referendum this November, pointing out, "I made a promise to California that I will fix a broken system and I will do everything I can, and it makes no difference how many attacks they have on me."

Schwarzenegger trounced all competitors when he won the governor's seat two years ago. But a new Field Poll shows he would lose an election held today.

"In the space of two years," says San Francisco Chronicle political reporter Carla Marinucci, "Schwarzenegger has gone from a political action hero to a guy who's getting sand kicked in his face every other day."

The numbers speak for themselves, Kauffman says: In August 2004, his approval rating was a stellar 65 percent. By May of this year, it had dropped to 40 percent. And last week, in that Field Poll? A dismal 36 percent.

Still, Kauffman adds, the one-time weightlifter, who conquered Hollywood before turning to politics, says he'll once again "terminate" his opponents, insisting, "I believe follow-through is the most important thing. …When you start something, you've got to finish it."

California's treasurer and controller are running for the Democratic nomination to take on Schwarzenegger.