Schwarzenegger to Represent U.S. at State Funeral

[Kellanved]

WASHINGTON — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will lead the U.S. delegation to Saturday's state funeral for Austrian President Thomas Klestil, a longtime friend of the California governor, the White House announced Thursday.

"I am honored to lead the presidential delegation to pay tribute to a great leader," Schwarzenegger said in a statement. "Maria and I extend our deepest condolences to President Klestil's family and the people of Austria. Thomas Klestil devoted his life to the service of his country, and his achievements on behalf of Austria will never be forgotten. He was a dear friend to me and will be greatly missed."

Schwarzenegger, who has been locked in negotiations over the overdue state budget in Sacramento, was scheduled to fly today to Vienna.

He will represent President Bush at a Mass at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna on Saturday morning, and at a graveside ceremony in Vienna's Central Cemetery on Saturday afternoon. He will return to California on Sunday.
...
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-me-arnold9jul09,1,4260122.story?coll=la-news-politics-california

How can a State Governor represent the US?

[NMDemDist2]

1. he has too Cheney is too busy saying

Terra--- Trial Lawyer--- Feear---- Terra---- AlQaeda----- Trial Lawyer

[rpannier]

2. Anyone can be chosen to represent the U.S.

The choice of Arnie makes sense since he is Austrian and was a friend.
Besides, shrub couldn't make it. It would be unseemly to have the US delegation booed before and after a funeral.

[meti57b]

3. Hey, .... whoa ... I thought California was ....

in the middle of trying to negotiate a State budget on time. What happened to that?

[rooboy]

4. When * found out that the Austrian president had died...

he sent flowers and a condolence note to John Howard's wife. (just heard on tv here - LOL)...

[rfranklin]

5. Will he be wearing full Nazi regalia?

Representing the Bush family, it would be appropriate.

[MasonJar]

6. To me that seems like a slap in the face...to send someone who

has nothing to do with our government. I'd be shocked if that is correct protocol.

[Kellanved]

7. No, I don't think so

After thinking about it, I believe rpannier is correct. While Schwarzenegger is not nearly as popular, as he used to be, he is certainly not a bad choice.
Klestil served as a diplomat in LA, so sending someone from California seems like a good idea. I just wonder why Powell isn't head of the delegation.

[AlGore-08.com]

8. It's also about raising Aahnold's profile & adding to his resume

There are a number of folks pretty high in the GOP who want to run Aanhold for President, and folks like Orrin Hatch keep introducing legislation to allow naturalized citizens to run for President. Even if that never comes to pass, they still believe it's to their benefit to keep Aanold in the spotlight, since (like McCain) he polls well outside the GOP base.

[Moderator]

9. Dupliate topic, please discuss here, thanks

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=673775