Calif. governor may skip GOP convention

SACRAMENTO, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says he will not be at the Republican convention unless he can get a state budget first. Schwarzenegger told The Los Angeles Times on Wednesday that discussions with Sen. John McCain on a convention speech are off. "I will not make any commitments," Schwarzenegger said. "I will not go on vacation. I will not leave the state. I will not do anything until I have a budget." Schwarzenegger and the Democratic majority in the state Legislature have been locking horns for weeks over the state budget and how best to deal with a deficit larger than some states' entire budgets. In 2004, Schwarzenegger, then a political newcomer as California governor, had a prime speaking slot on the second night of the Republican... [read full story]