Arnie may not be back: Democrats

CALIFORNIA Democrats are showing increasing confidence in challenging Gov Arnold Schwarzenegger after a series of bruising political battles that have weakened the Republican who once seemed invincible.

Speaking at a convention of state Democrats, lawmakers and candidates for the 2006 governor’s race criticised Schwarzenegger’s handling of the state budget and accused him of catering to special interests.

“We’re right and he’s just far-right,” said state treasurer Phil Angelides, who has declared his candidacy for governor and has been one of the governor’s most persistent critics.