California’s Environmental Influence Could Be Felt On 2008 Primaries

Newsweek notes that the most significant political story coming out of California last week wasn’t the spat between Barack Obama supporter David Geffen, the Hillary Clinton camp and then the Obama camp — but one that didn’t get much publicity.

It was the symbolism of Arizon Senator John McCain coming to California — and California’s likely new role in Presidential primaries…. a role that could influence the debate:

But the few dozen reporters willing to don ridiculous-looking neon orange safety smocks to join McCain and Schwarzenegger at a loading dock at the Port of Long Beach were on to a story far more significant to the 2008 presidential campaign—and beyond. How will the United States adapt its energy policies to cope with the potentially catastrophic economic consequences of climate change? “No matter who runs for president,� said McCain, who has yet to officially announce his candidacy, “this will be a very, very big issue.�

nd that’s where the Austrian-born Schwarzenegger, constitutionally banned from running for the White House, but riding high again in California thanks to a “postpartisan� image makeover, comes in. With Arnold’s support, the California legislature is making final plans to move the state’s primary to Feb. 5 (from its current place on the calendar, June 3)—a move intended to give eco-conscious voters in the nation’s most populous state more influence in selecting nominees. (Several other large states, including Florida and Michigan have also moved for earlier slots on the primary calendar, which could dilute California’s influence).

Despite that note in parenthsis, it is still a far cry from the old date in June so California’s and Schwarzenegger’s influence on issues on the agenda that are on the minds of California when primaries are held will be significant. And “Ahnold” knows it:

“We don’t want to just be a state where people come to suck us dry for money,� Schwarzenegger told NEWSWEEK earlier this year. “If the candidates want to say there is no global warming, or they have no fix for health care, then the voters will listen to that.� While environmental issues have traditionally played a minimal role in presidential politics—aside from the obligatory nods to clean air, clean water and “our children’s future�—2008 promises to be different, in part because of Al Gore’s much-publicized documentary, and the lack of a federal policy to combat global warming. Individual states, led by California, are racing ahead with their own initiatives, with potentially enormous consequences for the U.S. economy and international trade.

What’s also significant: the visit by McCain to be at the side of a politico who is now enjoying huge popularity in the state due to his newly rehanced image of a governor who is not a lockstep Republican.