I think when you are the head of the state, you have an obligation to create an environment around esprit de corps," said Chavez, a Democrat who appeared with Schwarzenegger to thank him for the new transportation money. "For me, police officers, firefighters, in-home support workers and teachers are not special interests. They are the backbone of California."

Retired teacher Tammy Cole, of Andeson, Calif., joined several hundred other teachers, firefighters and other union members protesting outside the Sacramento Convention Center where Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was to a appear, in Sacramneto, Calif., Wednesday, May 25, 2005. The protestors picketed the California Chamber of Commerce host breakfast, that Schwarzenegger was address, calling on the Governor to provide more spending for education and attack is out of state fund raising. (Ap Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)