He has been trailed since early in the year by a committed band of detractors, a vocal mix of teachers, nurses and unionized public employees opposed to one or another of Schwarzenegger's proposals or policies. They have been a constant feature at his public appearances, even showing up at some of the governor's out-of-state appearances.
The protests reached a zenith May 25 when an estimated 10,000 demonstrators encircled the state Capitol and several thousand more packed Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles on the same day.
An event in early May, for example, was designed so Schwarzenegger could drive up to a Sacramento County election office before a line of TV cameras and drop off petitions for one of his ballot measures. Organizers had dozens of young school children on hand, the kind of carefully prepared stagecraft that has been a trademark of many Schwarzenegger events. They were dressed in bright red "Go For It Arnold" T-shirts, ready to help the governor deliver the petitions in bright red wagons.
But also waiting for Schwarzenegger's arrival were dozens of union demonstrators who chanted loudly and rushed up close to the governor when he parked. Schwarzenegger stepped out of the vehicle with an uncomfortable smile. Instead of a well-choreographed media event, he was faced with a throng of shouting demonstrators.
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