Top > World > 2005 > November > 2005-11-22

Ahnuld Back in Cali After China Trip

For California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose much-vaunted "year of reform" agenda was soundly beaten in a special election less than two weeks ago, a three-city trade mission in the Far East could not have come at a better time.

In his six days here, Schwarzenegger has been mobbed by paparazzi, strolled the red carpet at the Shanghai premiere of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" and was quizzed by adoring students at China`s most elite university on his vision of the California dream.

The Republican governor left Hong Kong Saturday afternoon. As he returns to California, Schwarzenegger must rebuild his relationships with the state`s Democratic lawmakers and with a skeptical electorate. Voters defeated not just Schwarzenegger`s four initiatives but also the other four propositions on the November 8 ballot, an election that cost state taxpayers about $50 million.