There's been talk that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger may support Proposition 93, the ballot measure that would let the current Democratic leadership remain in office longer if voters approve it on Feb. 5. But the governor told The Bee's editorial board today that he has not made a decision on whether to support Proposition 93. Coincidentally, he said, he is meeting with his advisers in a few hours to determine what he will do on the measure.

Schwarzenegger said he hasn't made any commitments to anyone on supporting Proposition 93. He said he will announce his decision soon on whether to back the measure supported by Democratic leaders in the Legislature. This would really anger Republicans if the governor goes for the proposition. They already think the GOP governor is too cozy with Democratic leaders.

But don't count on him doing commercials for Proposition 93 if he decides to support it. He said he doesn't want to get over-exposed. He's already doing ads for the four Indian gaming compacts that also are on the Feb. 5 ballot. Schwarzenegger negotiated the compacts with the tribes and now opponents are challenging them in Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97.

Proposition 93 is a tricky measure. It would reduce the total number of years that a legislator could serve from 14 to 12, but it would allow the 12 years to be served in one house of the Legislature. That's good because it would give lawmakers some continuity in dealing with the state's complex issues.

But a provision also allows termed-out lawmakers -- there are 32 of them -- to spend extra time in office. That's bad because it goes against the spirit of the proposition.

That last little twist came from some political manipulation of the process. If Proposition 93 passes in February, the termed-out legislators would be able to run for their seats in the June primary election, and then get re-elected in November. Now you see why the Democratic leadership created the Feb. 5 primary?

This proposition might have made sense if it had been coupled with redistricting reform, which legislative leaders promised to do. But they went back on their word. Here's my analysis of the issue.

Jon Fleischman of the Flash Report wrote this open letter to the governor asking him to oppose Proposition 93. But his letter may be too late.