Well, it’s official. One-time Democratic heavyweight Susan Kennedy has sold her soul to the Schwarzenegger money machine. In addition to her Chief of Staff duties, Kennedy will embark on the Country Club Tour '06 to moonlight as a fundraiser for Arnold's reelection campaign. The LA Times has it: “Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is dispatching his newly appointed chief of staff to woo wealthy Republican donors for his reelection effort.” The article also indicates that Kennedy will be paid, "campaign funds in addition to her $131,000 government salary." But not to worry -- Kennedy will only attend fundraisers on her "vacation days," so she won't be on the state dime. If you think that sounds a lot like what comes out of the back end of a bull, I have to agree. We know Republicans are fond of vacation time, but how much time off has Kennedy really earned in her month-long tenure with the Gov? Fifteen minutes?

As if asking a state-paid worker to raise money for a campaign wasn't unethical enough, the LAT also indicates that Kennedy will be rubbing elbows with developers Alex Spanos and Rick Caruso at upcoming fundraisers. The timing of this couldn’t reek worse of corruption: Schwarzenegger proposes a massive infrastructure bond, then days later announces that he’s sending his top legislative advisor to shake down the state’s largest developers. It’s a pretty sweet pitch Kennedy’s going to throw: “Can we please have 20 grand for Arnold’s campaign, and oh by the way we have around $200 billion we could steer your way.” Keep your eyes out for the Schwarzenegger-Spanos $5 billion high speed rail from Stockton to Manteca.