Schwarzenegger’s brand
of radical
centrism, as it might be termed, is a challenge
to true-believing liberals and rigid conservatives, who have dominated the
Capitol in recent years and conspired to freeze out moderates of both parties
and independent voters, while deadlocking on major issues. In his first year,
Schwarzenegger learned that trying to mediate between the hard left and hard
right in the Legislature borders on the impossible, and concluded that progress
on pressing issues demands changes in the system itself. That’s why an overhaul
of legislative redistricting, making it possible for more moderates to win
seats, is the central piece of his reform package.