September 2003

WCA endorses Schwarzenegger for Calif. governor

Arnold Schwarzenegger has been helping chiropractic for years. Now it's chiropractic's chance to repay the favor by supporting his run for governor of California.

"Helping this legendary chiropractic advocate win the election is one way to say 'thank you' for all he's done for the profession," said Terry A. Rondberg, D.C., World Chiropractic Alliance president. "But his election would also be in our best interest. It's time that we had someone in high office who understood the role of chiropractic in health care, and who wasn't completely locked into the medical model." The WCA Board of Directors voted unanimously to support Schwarzenegger's campaign.

Schwarzenegger has been closely aligned with the chiropractic profession through his annual appearances at the International Chiropractors Association's Annual Symposium on Natural Fitness.

The symposium, held in conjunction with the Schwarzenegger Bodybuilding Classic and Fitness Expo, began in 1993 and draws thousands of attendees. Each year, the fitness athlete-turned-actor-turned-political hopeful addresses the enthusiastic crowd and praises chiropractic and the ICA.

"This historic partnership between the ICA and Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the most powerful celebrity alliances ever established by the chiropractic profession," said Dr. Coralee Van Egmond, Director of the ICA Council on Fitness and Sports Health Science in preparation for last year's event. "Each year Arnold has come to the ICA Symposium and presented a powerful, articulate and sincere endorsement of chiropractic. He has spoken with great conviction of the important role chiropractic has played in his career both as a bodybuilding champion and as an actor, crediting chiropractic care for helping him train and work through injuries that would have sidelined others."

In 2000, when speculation of a possible Schwarzenegger run for office first began, the ICA held a surprise "political campaign rally" for him during the Symposium.

Cheered on by some 200 supporters, the ICA presented Schwarzenegger with the nomination of the "Health and Fitness Party" for the office of governor of California. "The chiropractic profession wants you to know where we stand. You represent the courage, vision and no-nonsense leadership we value and respect and you are our unanimous choice for this high office," said ICA Executive Director Ronald Hendrickson.

He later wrote to Hendrickson and thanked him for the presentation. "What an incredible thrill it was for me to walk in on a political rally -- and one in my honor, no less. The banners, the lights and the screaming crowds -- if there were a Health and Fitness Party in the State of California, or anywhere else for that matter, I would not hesitate to accept the nomination," he wrote.

Now, as an official candidate for governor of California, D.C.s have the opportunity to help the ICA fulfill the profession's promise to support him. The first step is to provide the financial support so vital to any political campaign.

"I hope all D.C.s will consider giving generously to Arnold Schwarzenegger, both in appreciation of all he has already done for the profession, and what he can do for us in the future as governor of one of  our most influential states," said Dr. Rondberg, who plans to hold special fundraisers at his home in San Diego.

The World Chiropractic Alliance is asking doctors to send their checks, made payable to Californians for Schwarzenegger, to the WCA at 2950 N. Dobson Rd., Suite 1, Chandler, AZ 85224. All checks will be presented to Schwarzenegger on behalf of the chiropractic profession.

When sending donations, please include your name, address, occupation and employer (required by state law). Contributions are limited to $21,200 from a single source. Spouses may each give $21,200 by separate checks, credit card transactions, or internet donations. Contributions to Californians for Schwarzenegger are not tax deductible. Foreign nationals are prohibited from making contributions to this committee, unless they have permanent residency status in the United States of America (a Green Card).