Calif. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Warns Republicans To "Serve The People, Not The Party"

October 22, 2007 12:38 p.m. EST

Sacramento, CA (AHN)-California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is urging fellow Republican politicians to seize the "middle ground" on the important issues such as healthcare reform and education ahead of next year's election.

Schwarzenegger, who manages to enjoy widespread support in an overwhelmingly liberal state, is hoping that fellow GOP party members heed his advice, or face defeat in the 2008 presidential elections and beyond.

During an interview with the Financial Times, Schwarzenegger, who enacted sweeping health insurance reforms and climate-change legislation in California, said the most important quality in a politician is loyalty to the people, not the party.

"I feel because I have good approval ratings, and because I won a Democrat state with 57 percent of the votes, that...I can get people to cross party lines," he said.

"Every decision has to be based on what is the best for the people, how can I serve the people, rather than how can I serve my party," Schwarzenegger added.

Governor Schwarzenegger also said he would welcome a presidential bid from New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who is mulling running for the White House as an independent candidate. Schwarzenegger called Bloomberg a "miracle worker" for his ability to transcend party lines and get elected mayor in a state that is traditionally known for being overwhelmingly Democratic.