From Brian Brokaw:

While most Californians were busy this week stuffing their Thanksgiving turkeys, the Associated Press reported that the special interests who’ve been stuffing Governor Schwarzenegger’s campaign accounts since 2003 have earned Schwarzenegger a new and troubling title: “most prolific campaign fundraiser in California history.”

Associated Press: “Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has become the most prolific campaign fundraiser in California history, taking in more than $125 million for his various political committees, according to an Associated Press review of fundraising records. In doing so, he has surpassed Gray Davis, the governor he ousted four years ago in a recall election that focused in large part on Davis' seemingly incessant fundraising. Schwarzenegger's political committees have taken in $125.8 million since he jumped into the gubernatorial recall campaign in August 2003. Davis took longer -- seven years -- to raise $120 million for two gubernatorial campaigns and to fight the recall effort against him.”

Of course, we all know that the Governor only makes policy decisions based on what he thinks is good for the people, the state, yada yada. But $125 million – that’s a serious chunk of change.

Since we’ve witnessed so many incarnations of Schwarzenegger since he first stormed into office – Arnold the Reformer Candidate, the Special Election Conservative, the Election Year Peacemaker, and now the Globetrotting President of California – we figured it’d be worth a refresher course on some of our favorite Arnoldisms on the subject of campaign contributions:

“I will go to Sacramento and I will clean house. I don’t have to take money from anybody. I have plenty of money." (Sacramento Bee, August 7, 2003)

"Any of those kinds of real big, powerful special interests, if you take money from them, you owe them something." (San Diego Union Tribune, August 31, 2003)

"It is inherently suspect for politicians to be taking money from lobbyists while they are spending the people's money. As Governor I will propose a ban on all fundraising by the legislature and the Governor from the day I propose a budget until I sign a budget." (joinarnold.com, 2003)

"Money should not unduly influence politics [and] influence peddling should stop."  (joinarnold.com, 2003)

“The people of this state do not trust their government. They feel it is corrupted by dirty money, closed doors and back-room dealing." (Associated Press, October 18, 2003)

“And what-what is-I said that I would never have any special interests have any affect on me, or tell me what to do. I cannot be bought.”  (NBC Today Show, March 8, 2005)

“I don't even know who is giving me the money in the first place, and I don't even care.” (New York Times, March 7, 2005)

Just in case, Governor, you still haven’t figured out where the $125 million has come from, this list should help -- at least for starters.