FACT CHECK: Schwarzenegger presides over same dealmaking for which he lampoons Neb. senator

FACT CHECK: Dealmaking common under Schwarzenegger

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has criticized Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson for withholding his vote on health reform until he got a sweet deal for his state.

In fact, political quid pro quos happen all the time in the state Capitol, sometimes with Schwarzenegger’s behind-the-scenes involvement.

But an analysis shows that in the past year, he signed off on tax breaks, giveaways and a ballot measure that were brokered to secure enough votes for the state budget. He also pushed for water legislation that was stuffed with earmarks to gain the votes of certain lawmakers.

The governor sounded appalled at such trade-offs when he characterized the Senate health care vote to NBC’s David Gregory on Sunday. He said if such dealmaking occurred in Sacramento, people would be sued.