Davis gives Arnold pointers on new role

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California's Republican governor-elect and its Democratic governor-unelect met here on Thursday for the first time, spending about 90 minutes in a polite but awkward exchange with a portrait of Ronald Reagan watching over them.

Gov.-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger, capping a two-day sweep of the capital, said his meeting with Gov. Gray Davis was part of a "relationship-building" effort with the state's top elected officials before his inauguration next month.

Schwarzenegger met 12 or so leading Democrats and Republicans on his first official visit to Sacramento since winning the Oct. 7 recall election, even squeezing in a session with the chief justice of the Supreme Court, Ronald M. George, and a Chinese take-out dinner with the Democratic attorney general, Bill Lockyer.

Davis did not speak with reporters after the meeting, but it was difficult for him to conceal the awkwardness of the encounter even as he pledged his cooperation during a brief photo opportunity before they spoke privately. Davis is the first California governor to be removed from office in a recall, and only the second in U.S. history.

Davis' spokesman, Steve Maviglio, issued a brief statement that said Davis found Schwarzenegger to be "charming and personable." Maviglio, in an interview, said the meeting was cordial but not chummy, as some of Schwarzenegger's other sessions over the two days were said to have been.

Davis passed along to Schwarzenegger a piece of personal advice that his wife, Sharon Davis, had given, namely to "just enjoy every moment" because "this is the best job you'll ever have." Also, he let Schwarzenegger in on a gubernatorial secret: That the governor's private elevator, built for Earl Warren, is small and chugs slowly.

Davis later presented Schwarzenegger with a thick "Transition 2003" binder as the two men spoke in the Ronald Reagan Cabinet Room.

The binder was filled with information on the state budget and other pressing issues, which the two men apparently spent some time discussing.

Throughout the two days here, Schwarzenegger strove to appear gubernatorial, making some important announcements, including the appointment of his chief of staff, Patricia Clarey, and his intention to call a special session of the Legislature shortly after his inauguration, which is expected Nov. 17.

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