Senator Darrell Steinberg

Schwarzenegger and his horde of retrograde Republican lawmakers got everything they wanted in a horrific bargain with Democratic leaders that has ended California's budget impasse.

Schwarzenegger's brinkmanship might satisfy his ego but it is a terrible blow to California's health and to the national economy.

From the atmosphere over the weekend at the convention, one could get the impression that the Democratic Party's base is strong and the leadership of the State Legislature has made all the right moves.