Schwarzenegger Pumps Up Campaign

Despite a consistent lead in the polls and a war chest twice the size of his opponent’s, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger just gave his campaign $3.5 million of his own money, leaving some strategists scratching their heads.

With a personal fortune estimated at more than $100 million, Schwarzenegger has invested millions of dollars in each of his campaigns.

But this race has been going all his way, especially fundraising. Since July, Schwarzenegger has attracted more than double the amount given to his Democratic challenger, state Treasurer Phil Angelides.

But political observers noted Friday that with just over two weeks left before the election there’s still time for the unexpected to happen.

“He’s looking good in the polls and he’s raising the money he needs, and unless there is some error in one of those assumptions — this is a form of insurance,” said Darry Sragow, an attorney and Democratic strategist not connected to the Angelides campaign. “The money is there if needed.”

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