Schwarzenegger Gets Started

A year ago, California Gov. Gray Davis probably would never have imagined what he sees on his calendar for Thursday, Oct. 23: a meeting with Arnold Schwarzenegger, the governor-elect, who is developing his action plan for the state.

The bodybuilder and actor-turned-politician arrived in Sacramento Wednesday for the official beginning of his transition as the state's new leader.

First stop was the state Capitol, where he met with state lawmakers from both parties and informed them that he plans to call a special session of the legislature the day after he is sworn into office.

Schwarzenegger spokesman Rob Stutzman says priorities for the session may include legislation recently signed by outgoing Gov. Gray Davis that grants driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. Workers' compensation reform, political reform and budget issues are other possible topics.

Schwarzenegger reiterated his pledge to repeal the driver's license bill, saying it would not be subject to negotiation.

Schwarzenegger's aides expect him to be sworn in as governor Nov. 17, and the governor-elect said he would move quickly to start his administration off on a productive note.

"Action, action, action, action," Schwarzenegger said. "That's what people voted me into this office for. They wanted a governor that is filled with action - that performs and represents the people."

Schwarzenegger also named health care executive Patricia Clarey as chief of staff. Clarey, 50, served as deputy chief of staff to former Gov. Pete Wilson in the mid-1990s. Before that, she worked in Washington under Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

The Schwarzenegger transition team says that since Clarey's appointment does not require Senate confirmation, she will start work immediately.